Frequently Asked Questions
Who is starting Game 1 of the Wild Card Series for the White Sox?
Rookie Hagen Smith will open Game 1 in a bullpen-type game against the Houston Astros. Manager Will Venable confirmed Smith will take the ball in the series opener at Houston.
What are Hagen Smith's stats this season?
Smith has posted a 1.29 ERA across 28 innings while striking out 37% of batters faced. Opponents have a .159 expected batting average against him, and he has issued 16 walks with a 14% walk rate.
Who is pitching for the Astros in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series?
The Astros will send AJ Blubaugh to the mound in Game 1. Blubaugh has a 3.66 ERA with 94 strikeouts across 96 innings in 64 games this season but has not made a start.
How many times did the White Sox use an opener during the 2026 regular season?
The White Sox used an opener 21 times during the regular season, going 12-9 in those games. Their rotation produced just 34 quality starts, with only four teams recording fewer.
Who is expected to start Game 2 for the White Sox?
Sean Burke, who emerged as the White Sox ace midway through the season, appears to be in line to start Game 2 on regular rest. However, manager Will Venable stopped short of officially confirming the plan.
Mitchell Kaminski
I’m a Bradley University Sports Communication graduate with five years covering the Chicago White Sox and experience broadcasting for ESPN-partnered Bradley Athletics. I’ve worked as a radio play-by-play announcer in Missouri and currently serve as a TV reporter for ABC 17 News in Columbia.
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