Blubaugh to open Wild Card Game 1 for Astros; Brown expected to start Game 2

Key Points:

• The Astros will start rookie right-hander AJ Blubaugh as an opener in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series against the White Sox, with ace Hunter Brown set to start Game 2 and Hayden Wesneski possibly starting Game 3.
• Blubaugh led MLB relievers with 27 appearances of at least two innings this season and threw a career-high 96 innings, showing strong performance including scoreless outings against the White Sox this year.
• The Astros have never started a rookie in Game 1 of a postseason series, making Blubaugh's start a notable decision; the last rookie starter in the postseason was Luis Garcia in the 2021 World Series.
• Several Astros pitchers who threw multiple innings in Sunday's must-win game are unlikely to cover bulk innings Tuesday, but the bullpen is otherwise rested with key relievers like Miguel Ullola, Bryan Abreu, and closer Josh Hader available.
• Left-handed reliever Steven Okert may return from a hamstring injury for the series, as he resumed throwing off the mound, but the Astros will finalize their ALWCS roster Tuesday morning.