The Houston Astros are preparing for their American League Wild Card series against the Chicago White Sox. The Astros clinched the playoffs on the final day of the regular season, finishing the year at 81-81, but winning the AL West.

As the Astros prepare for Game 1 of the series, manager Joe Espada is giving a look into the pitching plan, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic.

“The Astros will run a bullpen game in Game 1, Joe Espada said. He did not name a starter,” Rome posted on X, formerly Twitter.

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The ace of the staff has been Hunter Brown. Brown went 6-4 thsi year with a 3.19 ERA. He also pitched on Friday, throwing 100 pitches in the loss to the Athletics. Giving him a full rest would place Brown as scheduled to pitch in Game 3 if necessary. With how well he has pitched, if the White Sox take Game 1 on Tuesday, Brown could be on the mound on slightly short rest on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Peter Lambert and Hayden Wesneski, two other starters on the staff, both pitched over the weekend as well. AJ Blubaugh will likely be asked to pitch multiple innings in the game. He has also not pitched since Friday and leads the team in innings pitched without making a start. He was solid this year, going 5-3 with a 3.66 ERA in 96 innings of work in 2026.

Game 1 between the White Sox and the Astros is set for 5 pm ET on Tuesday. The White Sox have yet to name a starting pitcher for the contest as well.