Astros return to playoffs

The Astros won their eighth American League West title in ten seasons and return to the playoffs after a one-year absence.

Star power clash

Houston's playoff-tested team features AL MVP favorite Yordan Alvarez, former World Series MVP Jeremy Peña and Jose Altuve against Chicago's up-and-coming stars.

Alvarez's confidence

Alvarez said, 'I feel like we did the hardest part, which was to get in.'

“I feel like we did the hardest part, which was to get in”

White Sox power duo

Miguel Vargas and Munetaka Murakami lead Chicago with 33 and 35 home runs respectively.

Benintendi's season start

Andrew Benintendi said, 'It feels good. I think that kind of hit a certain point of the year where you slot yourself in there. Now it’s officially over. The real season starts now.'

“It feels good”

Game 1 broadcast details

Game 1 starts at Daikin Park and is broadcast on Peacock and NBCSN with Spanish coverage on Universo.

White Sox starting pitcher

Hagen Smith, a rookie with 1.29 ERA, starts for the White Sox in a bullpen game.

Astros starting pitcher

AJ Blubaugh, a rookie with 96 innings, starts for the Astros in a bullpen game.

White Sox lineup

Sam Antonacci, Kyle Teel, Miguel Vargas, Munetaka Murakami, Andrew Benintendi, Tristan Peters, Braden Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, Colson Montgomery.

Astros lineup

Jeremy Peña, Yordan Alvarez, Isaac Paredes, Jose Altuve, Yainer Diaz, Christian Walker, Lucas Spence, Cam Smith, Taylor Trammell.

Injury updates

Chase Meidroth has left hamstring discomfort; Isaac Paredes has knee injury concerns.

Hot players

Miguel Vargas has 33 homers, 31 doubles, 22 stolen bases, 101 walks, 93 RBIs and 106 runs scored.