HOUSTON — The excitement returned to Minute Maid Park where the World Series Champion Houston Astros are taking on the Chicago White Sox on Opening Day.
If the Astros win it will be their 11th straight Opening Day win, a new MLB record. They're currently tied with the Boston Beaneaters from 1896.
The Astros unveiled their 2022 World Series Championship banner during the pregame festivities that included Megan Thee Stallion throwing out the first pitch, Cody Johnson singing the National Anthem and Mark Wahlberg giving the "play ball" call.
Fans were encouraged to wear orange for an Orange Out of Minute Maid Park.
Astros Opening Day lineup
Noticeably missing from the lineup Thursday is second baseman Jose Altuve, who underwent surgery on his thumb earlier this month after being hit by a pitch while playing for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.
Lineup for position players:
- Jeremy Peña - Shortstop
- Alex Bregman - Third base
- Yordan Alvarez - Left field
- Josè Abreu - First base
- Kyle Tucker - Right field
- Yainer Diaz - Designated hitter
- Jake Meyers - Center field
- Martín Maldonado - Catcher
- Mauricio Dubón - Second base
Framber Valdez got the start for the Astros while Dylan Cease started for the White Sox.
Astros vs White Sox matchup
Houston went 106-56 overall and 55-26 at home a season ago. The Astros averaged 8.3 hits per game in the 2022 season with 3.2 extra-base hits per game.
Chicago went 81-81 overall and 44-37 in road games a season ago. The White Sox averaged 8.9 hits per game last season and totaled 149 home runs.
Fanduel Sportsbook MLB line
Astros -155, White Sox +132; over/under is 7 runs
Who is on the Astros Opening Day roster?
The Astros released their roster for their Opening Day game against the Chicago White Sox Thursday morning.
Pitchers
- RHP Bryan Abreu
- RHP Ronel Blanco
- RHP Hunter Brown
- RHP Luis Garcia
- RHP Cristian Javier
- RHP Seth Martinez
- RHP Phil Maton
- RHP Rafael Montero
- RHP Hector Neris
- RHP Ryan Pressly
- RHP Ryne Stanek
- RHP Jose Urquidy
- LHP Framber Valdez
Catchers
- Yainer Diaz
- Martin Maldonado
- Cesar Salazar
Infielders
- Jose Abreu
- Alex Bregman
- Mauricio Dubon
- David Hensley
- Jeremy Pena
Outfielders
- Yordan Alvarez
- Corey Julks
- Chas McCormick
- Jake Meyers
- Kyle Tucker
Astros 2023 season preview
After winning the second World Series title in franchise history, the Astros are favorites to repeat in 2023 despite losing Justin Verlander, the AL Cy Young Award winner, in free agency.
Houston’s rotation should still be in good shape with Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier leading the young group and Hunter Brown is expected to take the next step after seeing limited work as a rookie last season.
The lineup remains largely intact, with the one big change at first base where the Astros added José Abreu, the 2020 AL MVP, to replace Yuli Gurriel.
With Altuve out for “a while,” according to GM Dana Brown, Mauricio Dubón and David Hensley will fill in.
Astros top hitters
DH Yordan Alvarez (.306, 37 HRs, 97 RBIs, 1.019 OPS), 2B Jose Altuve (.300, 28, 57, 39 doubles), RF Kyle Tucker (.257, 30, 107, 25 SBs), 1B José Abreu (.304, 15, 75, 40 doubles, 183 hits for White Sox).
Astros projected rotation
LH Framber Valdez (17-6, 2.82 ERA, 194 Ks, 3 CGs), RH Cristian Javier (11-9, 2.54, 194 Ks), RH José Urquidy (13-8, 3.94), RH Luis Garcia (15-8, 3.72), RH Hunter Brown (2-0, 0.89 in 7 games, 2 starts.)
Astros key relievers
RH Ryan Pressly (3-3, 2.98 ERA, 33 saves), RH Rafael Montero (5-2, 2.37, 14 saves), RH Ryne Stanek (2-1, 1.15 in 59 games), RH Bryan Abreu (4-0, 1.94 in 55 games).
Astros Opening Day pre-game festivities
Houston native Megan Thee Stallion will throw out the first pitch at Minute Maid Park.
Country star and Houston native Cody Johnson will sing the National Anthem and actor Mark Wahlberg will make the "play ball" call.
And don't forget about Opening Day Street Fest, which will feature live music, face painters, caricature artists, food trucks and more from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. You must have a ticket to the game to take part in the Street Fest.
What time is the Houston Astros game?
The first pitch is at 6:08 p.m. at Minute Maid Park as the Astros host the Chicago White Sox to start a seven-game homestand. According to the Astros' website, Houston has not lost on Opening Day since moving to the American League.