Former major league pitcher Dan Plesac, now an MLB Network analyst, projected what the Chicago White Sox pitching plan could be for Game 1 of the American League wild-card series at the Houston Astros on Tuesday. 

The White Sox announced that rookie Hagen Smith will be the opener against Houston. Plesac began by stating that Smith, as the opener, could go one-plus innings. Starter Erick Fedde is projected to relieve Smith. After Fedde, Plesac projects a combination of Sean Newcomb, Bryan Hudson, Jordan Hicks and closer Grant Taylor for multiple hitters.

Plesac stated the situation is not ideal but that you play the hand you're dealt. Sean Burke, the White Sox's best starter, is expected to start against Hunter Brown of Houston in Game 2 on Wednesday, per Plesac. Houston is also throwing a bullpen game on Tuesday.

The White Sox used openers an MLB-leading 31 times in 2026 as their starters recorded an average low of 12.5 outs per game. Burke led the White Sox with 172.1 innings pitched, 30th in MLB. The White Sox bullpen led MLB with 766.0 innings. Houston was sixth with 662.1 innings in 2026.

Bullpens could decide the wild-card series

The White Sox bullpen is eighth in MLB with a 3.70 ERA. Houston is 17th with a 4.08 bullpen ERA. Closer Josh Hader gives Houston an advantage at the back end of the bullpen. Hader is entering his seventh postseason. White Sox closer Taylor is in his second MLB season and first postseason.

Hader has four wins and two losses, 26 saves, a 1.01 ERA, 0.761 WHIP and 55 strikeouts in 44.2 innings. Taylor is 7-3 with a 2.25 ERA, 1.071 WHIP and 106 strikeouts in 84.0 innings. The better-performing bullpen between the Astros and the White Sox could determine the outcome of the series.