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White Sox vs. Astros live updates, news, starting pitchers for Game 1: Hagen Smith, AJ Blubaugh take the mound to open up wild card

The Chicago White Sox are back in the postseason following a remarkable turnaround from a 121-loss campaign in 2024, despite stumbling down the stretch after leading the AL Central for much of the year. Their wild-card opponents, the Houston Astros, reached the playoffs despite finishing at 81-81, becoming the first division winner in Major League Baseball history to secure a title without a winning record.

Both clubs are relying on bullpen games to open the series, with Hagen Smith getting the start for Chicago and AJ Blubaugh taking the mound for Houston.

First pitch for this opening wild-card contest is scheduled for 5 p.m. Eastern Time, with broadcast coverage available via Peacock and the NBC Sports Network.

Smith enters the matchup carrying a 1.29 ERA accumulated across 18 appearances since arriving from the minor leagues in August, though his road statistics show that number rising to 3.38. Blubaugh counters for the hosts after appearing in 64 games this season and posting a 3.66 ERA with 94 strikeouts.

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