Astros name AJ Blubaugh as Game 1 starter against White Sox

The Houston Astros will start rookie AJ Blubaugh in Game 1 of the wild-card series against the White Sox on Tuesday. Blubaugh, who led the majors with 96 innings of relief this season, will operate in a bullpen game format as the Astros manage their rotation. The decision comes after the team clinched the AL West with a win over the A's in the regular-season finale. Houston plans to use its bullpen strategy to conserve arms for the series, with Hunter Brown set to start Game 2 and Hayden Wesneski potentially pitching Game 3 if necessary. The Astros must finalize their pitching roster by Tuesday morning before the game.

• 11:23 PMYahoo Sports — Houston Astros to open with AJ Blubaugh in Game 1 against White Sox in wild-card series