White Sox-Astros wild-card preview: Throw out the records, it’s high-stakes time

The Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox are set to face off in a three-game American League Wild Card Series in Houston starting Tuesday. Houston qualified for the postseason with an 81-81 record, while Chicago entered at 84-78. The series begins on Tuesday with Game 1 scheduled at 5 p.m. ET, followed by Game 2 on Wednesday and an if-necessary Game 3 on Thursday.

Houston faces pitching uncertainty after utilizing multiple arms during Game 162, with Cristian Javier sidelined due to a Grade 2 groin strain and ace Hunter Brown not on full rest until Game 2. Meanwhile, Chicago will rely heavily on its bullpen, which threw more innings than any other team during the regular season, alongside top starter Sean Burke.