{
  "id": 10321127,
  "title": "MLB wild-card preview: Series predictions, X-factors and more for Red Sox-Yankees, Cubs-Padres, Phillies-Braves and White Sox-Astros",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/mlb-wild-card-preview-series-predictions-x-factors-and-more-for-red",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-28T00:16:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/mlb-wild-card-preview-series-predictions-x-factors-and-more-for-red-sox-yankees-cubs-padres-phillies-braves-and-white-sox-astros-001627858.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "No. 6 Chicago White Sox versus No. 3 Houston Astros - Projected startings:\nGame 1: David Sandlin (CWS) against Peter Lambert (HOU)\nGame 2: Sean Burke (CWS) against Hunter Brown (HOU)\nGame 3: Davis Martin (CWS) against Hayden Wesneski (HOU)\n\nHow they got here:\nThe White Sox have undergone quite the remarkable journey, as they reached the postseason for the first time in five years. This is the first time in the club's history they have made the postseason after three consecutive 100-loss seasons. The offense, featuring first-time All-Stars Miguel Vargas and Munetaka Murakami, has been the primary driving force behind their postseason run.\n\nHow they win:\nThe White Sox's offense has been a significant contributor to their postseason success. With the power duo of Miguel Vargas and Munetaka Murakami, the team has shown it has the offensive firepower to compete with the top teams in the league. As they advance to the Division Series, the White Sox will likely rely on their strong lineup to carry them through the series.",
  "summary": "The best time of the baseball year is finally here. Here's what you need to know for the wild-card round.",
  "key_points": [
    "White Sox advance to Division Series for first postseason in five years",
    "Miguel Vargas and Munetaka Murakami lead offensive charge",
    "Series starts with David Sandlin facing Peter Lambert in Game 1"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}