Reliever Hagen Smith will start for the Chicago White Sox against the Cleveland Guardians in what will be a battle of rookie left-handed pitchers in Game 1 of the American League Division Series on Saturday.
The Guardians had already announced that rookie Parker Messick would be starting Game 1 at Progressive Field.
Smith, 23, went 3-3 with a 1.29 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 28 innings over 18 appearances for the White Sox this season. He was the surprise starter for Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series vs. Houston -- just his second start of the season -- and pitched three scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out two.
Messick, 25, went 12-9 in 32 starts this season, including a 2-1 mark with a 2.81 ERA in five starts against the White Sox this season.
The White Sox went 7-6 in the season series against Cleveland, their AL Central rival, after the Guardians won 11 of 13 last season.
The White Sox have yet to announce who will oppose Cleveland right-hander Gavin Williams in Game 2.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.