White Sox plan to lean on ‘pen in Game 1 vs. Astros

The Chicago White Sox plan to utilize a bullpen game for Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series against the Houston Astros on Tuesday at Daikin Park. Rookie Hagen Smith will start the game as part of a strategy outlined by manager Will Venable to rely heavily on relief pitching rather than a traditional bulk hurler.

General manager Chris Getz noted that the approach leans into the strengths of the bullpen, which features options like Noah Schultz and Grant Taylor. Starter Sean Burke is expected to be on regular rest for Game 2 on Wednesday, facing Houston's Hunter Brown.