Chicago White Sox vs. Houston Astros: Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 4/1/2023

Time: 2:10 p.m. ET

Venue: Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX

Where to watch: NBCSCH, ATTH

DraftKings: Check back later for odds

BetMGM: Check back later for odds

Caesars: Check back later for odds

White Sox: 1-0

Astros: 0-1

As the Chicago White Sox and the Houston Astros gear up to face off in the upcoming game on April 1, 2023, fans from both sides are eagerly anticipating what is sure to be an intense battle between two of the most talented teams in baseball.

The White Sox won the first matchup on Opening Day, 3-2, after scoring twice in the top of the ninth. Andrew Vaughn hit a go-ahead double in the ninth inning to give the White Sox the lead and the eventual win over the defending World Series champions. A good start for a team that is in need of a good bounceback performance after an injury-riddled season last year.

“I wouldn't want it any other way,” Pedro Grifol said. “That was a great game all the way around from the first inning to the last inning. A lot of moving parts to it even though there was just three or four moves.

Both teams have made some changes in the offseason to bolster their rosters, and fans can expect to see some exciting new faces on the field in this upcoming game.

One player to watch for the White Sox is new starting pitcher Liam Hendriks, who signed with the team in the offseason after an impressive 2022 campaign. Hendriks was one of the best relievers in the league last year, posting a 1.80 ERA and 110 strikeouts in just 75 innings pitched. With Hendriks now leading the White Sox rotation, the team will be hoping to shut down the Astros' potent offense.

Yordan Alvarez homered, and the Astros were honored for winning the title last year, but to no avail in front of the home crowd.

“It was a great atmosphere tonight,” third baseman Alex Bregman said. “Obviously, we didn’t get the result we wanted. You’ve got to tip your hat to [Dylan] Cease. He threw the ball extremely well. It was amazing to be back playing in front of these fans. We’ll bounce back.” 

One of the biggest storylines heading into this game will be the battle between the two teams' pitching staffs. The White Sox have one of the best rotations in the league, with Hendriks leading the way alongside other talented starters like Lucas Giolito and Dylan Cease. However, the Astros have a powerful offense that ranked second in the league in runs scored in 2022. It will be up to the White Sox pitching staff to try to neutralize the Astros' bats and prevent them from putting up big numbers on the scoreboard.

On the other side of the ball, the White Sox offense will be looking to make an impact against the Astros' pitching staff. The Astros have a solid rotation led by Zack Greinke and Lance McCullers Jr., but the White Sox have plenty of firepower in their lineup. Players like Anderson, Moncada, and Abreu are capable of hitting for both average and power, and the team also has some promising young players like Andrew Vaughn who could make an impact in this game.

Overall, this game promises to be an exciting matchup between two talented teams with plenty of star power. Fans from both sides will be hoping for a win to kick off the new season, and there's no doubt that this game will be a great showcase of the best that baseball has to offer.

As always, there are sure to be surprises and unexpected twists and turns in the game, and it will be up to both teams to stay focused and make the most of their opportunities on the field.

Prediction

Thinking the Astros bounce back here. This is going to be an adjustment with no more Justin Verlander. These rotation guys will have to make do. Astros 6, White Sox 3

Check back later for trends.

Projected lineup

White Sox:
Tim Anderson (R) SS
Luis Robert Jr. (R) CF
Andrew Vaughn (R) 1B
Eloy Jimenez (R) DH
Yoan Moncada (S) 3B
Andrew Benintendi (L) LF
Yasmani Grandal (S) C
Elvis Andrus (R) 2B
Romy Gonzalez (R) RF
SP - Lance Lynn

Astros:
Jeremy Pena (R) SS
Alex Bregman (R) 3B
Yordan Alvarez (L) LF
Jose Abreu (R) 1B
Kyle Tucker (L) RF
Yainer Diaz (R) DH
Jake Meyers (R) CF
Martin Maldonado (R) C
Mauricio Dubon (R) 2B
SP - Cristian Javier