# Astros-White Sox Wild Card Clash

> Houston's playoff-tested stars face Chicago's rising power in AL Wild Card Series opener.
- Title: Astros-White Sox Wild Card Clash · Mlb | Shortify
- Summary: Houston's playoff-tested stars face Chicago's rising power in AL Wild Card Series opener. The Astros, with Yordan Alvarez and Jose Altuve, face the White Sox…
- Keywords: breaking, astros, white sox, mlb, wild card series, yordan alvarez, miguel vargas, munetaka murakami, jeremy pena, jose altuve, al most valuable player, pitching matchup
- Source: Mlb — https://mlb.com/news/white-sox-vs-astros-wild-card-series-starting-lineups-and-pitching-matchup
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: breaking, astros, white sox, mlb, wild card series, yordan alvarez, miguel vargas, munetaka murakami, jeremy pena, jose altuve, al most valuable player, pitching matchup
## 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.
## Key takeaway

The Astros, with Yordan Alvarez and Jose Altuve, face the White Sox led by Miguel Vargas and Munetaka Murakami in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series.