The Houston Astros head to Chicago's Rate Field on Friday, July 24, 2026, for a 7:40 PM ET showdown against the White Sox, with right-hander Spencer Arrighetti drawing the start for Houston. Chicago counters with Davis Martin on the mound. The Astros are looking to build momentum on the road, and how Arrighetti handles a White Sox lineup that features some legitimate pieces up and down the order will go a long way toward determining whether Houston leaves the Windy City with a win.

Pitching Matchup: Arrighetti vs. Martin

Spencer Arrighetti gets the ball for the Astros, and this is exactly the kind of road start that can define a rotation arm's standing heading deeper into the season. Arrighetti has the stuff to miss bats, and his ability to command the strike zone against a White Sox lineup that blends veteran presence with young talent will be the central story of the evening.

Davis Martin takes the hill for Chicago. He has shown flashes of consistency and will look to keep Houston's offense in check. The Astros will need to be disciplined early and make Martin work deep into counts if they want to get into that bullpen.

Chicago White Sox Lineup to Watch

The White Sox are running out an interesting mix Friday night. Munetaka Murakami hits second and slots in at first base — his power potential makes him a threat any time he steps in. Colson Montgomery holds down the cleanup spot at shortstop, a sign of the trust Chicago has placed in the 22-year-old. Miguel Vargas at third hits third in the order, giving Chicago some punch in the middle.

Andrew Benintendi rounds out the top five as the designated hitter, bringing experience and plate discipline that Arrighetti cannot afford to overlook. Leadoff man Sam Antonacci in left sets the table, and the bottom third — Braden Montgomery in right, Tristan Peters in center, Chase Meidroth at second, and Drew Romo behind the plate — gives Chicago depth the Astros cannot dismiss.

Keys to Watch for Houston

• Arrighetti's command early: Getting ahead in counts against a lineup with Murakami and Vargas in the middle is non-negotiable. Falling behind hitters gives the White Sox exactly the leverage they want.
• Handling Murakami: The Japanese slugger is a legitimate power threat. Arrighetti needs a clear plan — and the conviction to execute it — every time Murakami steps in.
• Astros offense vs. Martin: Houston's lineup will need to string together quality at-bats and avoid giving Martin easy outs early. Making him work is the path to getting into Chicago's bullpen.
• Road discipline: Rate Field on a Friday night with a live crowd is a test of focus. The Astros need to play clean, fundamental baseball away from home.

Prediction

This one hinges on Arrighetti. If he can navigate the middle of Chicago's order and give Houston five or six quality innings, the Astros have enough to get the job done. Expect a competitive game, but give the edge to Houston if Arrighetti brings his best. Astros 5, White Sox 3.

Catch the game on Space City Home Network or radio on KBME 790 AM/94.5 FM HD-2. Spanish-language coverage is available on KLTN-TUDN 102.9 FM and 107.9 La Ley.