Overview
- The Astros confirmed rookie right-hander AJ Blubaugh will serve as the Game 1 opener against the White Sox on Tuesday at Daikin Park.
- Hunter Brown is expected to start Game 2 on normal rest and Hayden Wesneski is the likely option if a Game 3 is needed.
- Blubaugh led MLB relievers with 27 multi‑inning relief outings and a career‑high 96 innings this season but has topped two innings in only five games, so he is projected for two innings and possibly three.
- Houston’s bullpen enters the series with several rested arms available, the team carried 12 pitchers on the roster, and lefty Steven Okert was not included for the wild‑card series.
- The opener reflects a short‑series strategy forced by heavy pitcher use on the final day of the regular season and makes reliever workload and matchup management the key factors to watch for Houston’s chance to advance.