The Astros return home after three games on the road against the Rangers, fat and happy with a nine-game lead in the AL Western Division.

The White Sox have more of a sense of urgency in a dogfight with the Twins and Guardians in the AL Central Division. The White Sox got well at the expense of the Tigers sweeping three games from them.

Chicago has been extremely tough on left-handers the past few years and draw southpaw Framber Valdez. He is 2-2 with a 4.15 ERA in five home starts.

The White Sox rank either first or second against lefty pitching in batting average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage and OPS.

Lucas Giolito gets the start for Chicago. He's 4-2 with a 3.88 ERA. The strikeouts have been there for Giolito, who has fanned 70 in 53 1/3 innings. He's been excellent at Minute Maid Park with a 1.57 ERA in three starts there against Houston.

The Astros actually are a below average scoring team at home, producing 3.8 runs a game. That ranks 23rd.

Houston would be 7-12 in its last 19 games if minus 1 1/2 runs.