The Houston Astros are on a remarkable five-game winning streak, and pitcher Ronel Blanco is poised to extend this impressive run as he takes the mound against the Chicago White Sox. This matchup is crucial for the Astros, who are vying for a stronger position in the American League West. While Blanco's recent return to pitching showed some rust, his historical performance and focused approach suggest he is ready to deliver a impactful game. The White Sox, on the other hand, are looking to rebound from a series of defeats and overcome a potential injury to their key shortstop, Colson Montgomery.
Astros Seek Continued Momentum with Blanco's Critical Start
On Sunday, July 26, 2026, right-handed pitcher Ronel Blanco (0-0, 7.71 ERA) of the Houston Astros is scheduled to make his second start following a significant hiatus of over a year. He will face the Chicago White Sox at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas. This game follows a dominant performance by fellow Astros pitcher Hunter Brown, who held the White Sox to only two hits over seven shutout innings in a 4-1 victory on Saturday. This win propelled the Astros into second place in the American League West, narrowing the gap to two games behind the Texas Rangers.
Blanco's previous outing on Monday against the Miami Marlins marked his return to the mound after not pitching since May 2025. Although he did not receive a decision in the Astros' 8-5 win, he surrendered four earned runs on two home runs over 4 2/3 innings, recording three walks and eight strikeouts. Despite the runs allowed, Blanco emphasized his focus on precise pitching, stating, "Just focused on throwing a lot of strikes and attacking the zone because they're a team that doesn't go out of the zone too often." His last full season in 2024 saw him achieve an impressive 13-6 record with a 2.80 ERA and 166 strikeouts across 167 1/3 innings.
Blanco has only encountered the White Sox once before in his career, an appearance in relief on April 1, 2023. In that two-inning stint, he allowed no runs, issued one walk, and struck out four batters in an 8-4 Astros victory, though he did not factor into the decision. The Astros' current offensive lineup is in fine form, with Isaac Paredes driving in three runs and Jeremy Pena contributing three hits and two runs in Saturday's game. Josh Hader secured his 12th save of the season, closing out the victory.
For the White Sox, right-hander Erick Fedde (5-6, 4.16 ERA) will start on Sunday, attempting to prevent a series sweep after their 9-5 loss in the opening game on Friday. Fedde has a career record of 0-1 with a 3.60 ERA in two starts against the Astros. His most recent start was a no-decision in a 10-3 win against the Texas Rangers, where he gave up two runs on four hits over four innings, striking out six without issuing a walk.
The White Sox may also be without shortstop Colson Montgomery, who sustained a leg injury during Saturday's game. After fouling a pitch off his shin/calf area – the same spot injured in a previous series – Montgomery remained in the game to hit an RBI single. Manager Will Venable expressed concern, stating, "It was just above where it got him the other day, so pretty sore... He'll get treatment and see where we're at tomorrow." The White Sox have a 6-4 record in their last ten games but have lost their previous two, yet they maintain a 1 1/2 game lead over the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central standings.
The upcoming game presents a captivating narrative for both teams. For the Astros, it is an opportunity to solidify their standing and extend their winning streak, showcasing Blanco's potential as a consistent starter. For the White Sox, it is a chance to halt their slide and demonstrate resilience, particularly if Montgomery is sidelined. Baseball fans can anticipate a competitive contest as both sides battle for crucial victories.
