The Chicago White Sox host the Houston Astros at Rate Field on Sunday, July 26, with first pitch set for 2:10 PM ET. Erick Fedde gets the ball for the Sox against Houston's Ronel Blanco in what shapes up as a classic AL pitching duel. The Astros bring a lineup loaded with proven offensive threats — Yordan Alvarez, Jose Altuve, and Jeremy Peña headlining the order — making this a genuine test of where this White Sox club stands heading deeper into the 2026 season.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Fedde vs. Blanco

Erick Fedde draws the Sunday assignment for Chicago, and the right-hander will need to be sharp against an Astros lineup that doesn't let pitchers off the hook. Fedde has been one of the more dependable arms in the Sox rotation this season, and a strong outing here would go a long way toward building confidence in this staff.

Ronel Blanco counters for Houston. The right-hander has developed into a legitimate weapon for the Astros and presents a genuine challenge for a Chicago offense still finding its footing. Blanco's ability to miss bats will be tested early — if the Sox are going to make noise today, they need to get into his pitch count and force Houston to dig into the bullpen.

Chicago White Sox Starting Lineup

• Sam Antonacci, LF
• Munetaka Murakami, 1B
• Miguel Vargas, 3B
• Braden Montgomery, RF
• Andrew Benintendi, DH
• Tristan Peters, CF
• Chase Meidroth, 2B
• Luisangel Acuña, SS
• Drew Romo, C

Houston Astros Starting Lineup

• Jeremy Peña, SS
• Yordan Alvarez, DH
• Isaac Paredes, 3B
• Jose Altuve, 2B
• LaMonte Wade Jr., 1B
• Yainer Diaz, C
• Taylor Trammell, CF
• Cam Smith, RF
• Zach Dezenzo, LF

Keys to Watch at Rate Field

Handle Yordan Alvarez

There is no bigger at-bat in this game than when Yordan Alvarez steps to the plate. Hitting second in the Astros order, Alvarez punishes any mistake in the strike zone. Fedde has to establish his game plan early and commit to it — there's no winging it against a hitter of Alvarez's caliber.

Murakami and Vargas Set the Tone Early

Munetaka Murakami hitting second and Miguel Vargas slotting in at three gives Chicago a legitimate middle-of-the-order presence behind leadoff man Sam Antonacci. If those two can do damage against Blanco before he settles in, the Sox have a path to manufacturing runs against a Houston staff that doesn't give many away.

Braden Montgomery's Spot in the Four-Hole

Montgomery batting cleanup is worth watching. It signals that the Sox organization believes the young outfielder is ready for that kind of responsibility against a high-caliber opponent. How he handles Blanco will be one of the storylines of this afternoon.

Fedde's Command in the Early Innings

Against a lineup like Houston's, Fedde cannot afford to fall behind in counts. Peña, Alvarez, Paredes, and Altuve all punish hittable pitches. If Fedde can work ahead and keep the ball in the zone on his terms, this game stays competitive deep into the afternoon.

Prediction

This is a tough draw. The Astros are a veteran-laden club with a lineup that can wear down a pitching staff, and Blanco is a difficult assignment for a White Sox offense that needs to string things together. That said, Fedde pitching at Rate Field with a crowd behind him gives Chicago a puncher's chance. Call it a close game decided late — but lean toward Houston pulling this one out, 4-2, unless Murakami or Montgomery comes up with a big swing when it matters.

Catch the game on Chicago Sports Network or tune in on ESPN Chicago WMVP 1000 AM.