Hagen Smith will open up a White Sox bullpen game in Game 1 of Wild Card series against Astros

Rookie left-hander Hagen Smith will start as an opener for the Chicago White Sox in Game 1 of their wild-card series against the Houston Astros. White Sox manager Will Venable announced that the team will utilize a bullpen game on Tuesday in Houston. The Astros will also implement a bullpen approach, starting right-hander A.J. Blubaugh in the opening game.

White Sox general manager Chris Getz confirmed the club plans to rely on high-end two-to-three-inning outings rather than a traditional starter. Smith, who has worked out of the bullpen since being called up in August, held left-handed hitters to a .194 batting average this season, providing an advantageous matchup against Houston slugger Yordan Alvarez.