Game Thread: White Sox at Astros, AL Wild Card Game 1

The South Side clubhouse was aware that no one was expecting them to make any noise this year with so many prospects breaking into the big leagues, and after a rough April it another season in the second division might be the case. But with 36 comeback wins and 11 walk-offs, Chicago showcased the elite talent that was cooking up at 35th and Shields, along with a resilience that never counted them out. The White Sox were seven games worse than .500 in mid-April, and at their best were nine games better in late August, spending a total of 96 days atop of the AL Central. Despite ultimately earning a Wild Card spot rather than a division title, the White Sox still made history with their 84 wins by qualifying for the playoffs after three consecutive 100-loss seasons.

As the South Siders head to Houston for a three-game Wild Card series against the AL West champion Houston Astros , looking for revenge from their 2021 ALDS defeat. With the MLB postseason comes playoff rosters, and the White Sox released theirs earlier today , announcing that they will be carrying 12 pitchers, two catchers, five infielders, and seven outfielders. The two most notable players who did not make the roster were righthander Trevor Richards , and catcher Drew Romo , who both spent a significant time on the South Side this season and were key contributors. Jake Rogers will slot in as the backup catcher behind Kyle Teel , and as one of the bigger surprises, Tommy Pham will be joining Chicago rather than adding a 13th pitcher.

Today's game will be the first time in postseason history that both teams will be leveraging an opener to start the game, likely sending baseball traditionalists — and many White Sox fans — into a tailspin. Chicago has used an opener 31 times this season, and in their defense, it has gotten them this far. Is there still concern that the pitching depth might not be enough to make a deep playoff run? Sure there is. But we are working with what we got, because GM Chris Getz chose not to spend on another starter at the trade deadline, and the starter that he did trade for isn't even on the playoff roster (Luis Castillo).