White Sox vs. Astros live updates, news, starting pitchers for Game 1: Hagen Smith, AJ Blubaugh take the mound to open wild card

The Chicago White Sox return to the postseason after three consecutive 100-loss seasons, including losing a record 121 games in 2024. This year, they led the AL Central for much of the season before faltering over the final two weeks. Opposing them in the wild-card round will be the Houston Astros, the first MLB team ever to win a division without a winning record, finishing the season 81-81. The Astros won three of their final four games to seize the AL West but limped into the postseason with an 11-13 record in September. Both teams will pitch bullpen games in Game 1. Hagen Smith will open for the White Sox. Called up in early August, Smith compiled a 1.29 ERA in 18 appearances with 41 strikeouts in 28 innings. Notably, that ERA jumped to 3.38 on the road this season. RHP AJ Blubaugh gets the nod for Houston. He pitched in 64 games, recording a 3.66 ERA with 94 strikeouts in 96 innings.Where to watch White Sox vs. Astros in Game 1 wild-card matchupWhite Sox-Astros start time: 5 p.m. ETLocation: Daikin Park | HoustonTV channel/live stream: Peacock/NBC Sports NetworkFollow along with Yahoo Sports for live updates, highlights and more as the Houston Astros host the Chicago White Sox in Game 1 of the AL wild-card round.