Houston Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu (52) is seen in the sixth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros manager Joe Espada lifts reliever Bryan Abreu (52) from the game during the eighth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series against the Chicago White Sox in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu reacts after giving up a 3-run home run by Chicago White Sox second baseman Chase Meidroth during the sixth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the sixth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Jose Altuve, left, Carlos Correa, and Yordan Alvarez (44) watch as the Chicago White Sox celebrate their 7-3 win in Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series, eliminating the Astros from the playoffs, in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Jose Altuve, left, Carlos Correa, Yordan Alvarez and Christian Vázquez watch as the Chicago White Sox celebrate their 7-3 win in Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series, eliminating the Astros from the playoffs, in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Lucas Spence (28) walks through the dugout after the team’s 7-3 loss to the Chicago White Sox during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston’s Daulton Varsho is seen in the dugout after undergoing left arthroscopic wrist surgery during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu (52) is seen in the sixth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve points to the bullpens as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series against the Chicago White Sox in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve points to the bullpens as he runs past Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve points to the bullpens as he runs past Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve watches the flight of his solo home run during the fourth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series against the Chicago White Sox in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve watches the flight of his solo home run during the fourth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series against the Chicago White Sox in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel (8) and Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes (15) get tangled up after Paredes struck out and tried to advance to first on the dropped third strike during the third inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. Paredes was called out at first.
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Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) strikes out as Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel (8) blocks the ball in the dirt during the third inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) singles against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) reacts in front of Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel (8) after striking out during the first inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña (3) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run off Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Sean Burke during the first inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros starting pitcher AJ Blubaugh (69) throws against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans infielders Jeremy Peña, Nick Allen (20), Jose Altuve (27) and Christian Walker (8) break up a huddle during a pitching change in the first inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown walks off the field after he was lifted from the game during the first inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series against the Chicago White Sox in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown walks back to the mound after giving up a run to the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown wipes his brow as he pauses on the mound against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas (20) scores past Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz (21) after a ball thrown in from the outfield got past the Astros catcher during the first inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) walks back to the mound after giving up a hit by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas during the first inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros pitching coach Joshua Miller (36) talks to starter Hunter Brown during the first inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series against the Chicago White Sox in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Chicago White Sox left fielder Sam Antonacci (17) gestures to the dugout after hitting a couple off Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown during the first inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Rap artist and entrepreneur Bun B reacts after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series against the Chicago White Sox in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros fans stand for the national anthem before Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series against the Chicago White Sox in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros manager Joe Espada, right, stands for the national anthem before Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series against the Chicago White Sox in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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A Houston Astros fan makes his way to his seat before Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series against the Chicago White Sox in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Chicago White Sox fans cheer after Chase Meidroth’s 3-run home run off Houston Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu in the sixth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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The Chicago White Sox bullpen cheer in front of Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez after Chase Meidroth’s 3-run home run off in the sixth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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The Chicago White Sox bullpen cheer in front of Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez after Chase Meidroth’s 3-run home run off in the sixth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Jose Altuve (27) reacts after popping out with the bases loaded to end the fifth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Jose Altuve (27) reacts after popping out with the bases loaded to end the fifth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston fans cheer as Jose Altuve steps up to the plate with the bases loaded in the fifth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Jeremy Peña (3) hits a single in the fifth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Nick Allen (20) tries to get down a bunt in the fifth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Cam Smith (11) gets hit by a pitch in the fifth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Jose Altuve (27) reacts after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Jose Altuve (27) reacts after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston fans cheer after Jose Altuve’s solo home run in the fourth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston fans cheer after Jose Altuve’s solo home run in the fourth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros pitcher Peter Lambert (38) reacts after getting Chicago White Sox Sam Antonacci to ground out to end the top of the fourth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros pitcher Peter Lambert (38) reacts after getting Chicago White Sox Sam Antonacci to ground out to end the top of the fourth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros pitcher Peter Lambert (38) reacts a missed pitch against Chicago White Sox Sam Antonacci in the fourth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel (8) nearly collides with Houston Astros designated hitter Isaac Paredes going after a ground ball in the third inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel (8) nearly collides with Houston Astros designated hitter Isaac Paredes going after a ground ball in the third inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Yordan Alvarez (44) reacts after striking out in the third inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Cam Smith (11) reacts after hitting a solo home run in the second inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros manager Joe Espada (19) is seen before Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Jose Altuve (27) hits a single in the first inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Yordan Alvarez (44) reacts after striking out in the first inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Jeremy Peña (3) reacts after hitting a solo home run off Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Sean Burke in the first inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros fans cheer after Jeremy Peña (3) reacts after hitting a solo home run off Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Sean Burke in the first inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros pitcher AJ Blubaugh (69) delivers in the first inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros third baseman Nick Allen, left, visits with first baseman Christian Walker, second baseman Jose Altuve and shortstop Jeremy Peña after starting pitcher Hunter Brown is pulled in the first inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Joe Espada (19) walks back to the dugout after pulling starting pitcher Hunter Brown in the first inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) walks back to the dugout after being pulled in the first inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez (44) fields a single by Chicago White Sox Chase Meidroth in the first inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown reacts after a throwing error by center fielder Lucas Spence allowed two runs to score in the first inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown, left, throw to catcher Yainer Diaz after a throwing error by center fielder Lucas Spence allowed two runs to score in the first inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown, left, throw to catcher Yainer Diaz after a throwing error by center fielder Lucas Spence allowed two runs to score in the first inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros third baseman Nick Allen (20) look to throw after misfielding a ground ball by Chicago White Sox Miguel Vargas for an error in the first inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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The Houston Astros file out of the dugout after a 7-3 loss to the Chicago White Sox in Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Chicago White Sox pitcher Erick Fedde (47) and catcher Kyle Teel (8) celebrate a 7-3 win, eliminating the Houston Astros from the American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros manager Joe Espada watches the final outs from the dugout during the ninth inning of a 7-3 loss in Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros pitcher Josh Hader (71) and catcher Yainer Diaz (21) walk off the field at the end of the eighth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros pitcher Josh Hader pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve reacts after striking out during the eighth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series against the Chicago White Sox in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros manager Joe Espada stands at the top steps of the dugout as he looks on during the eighth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series against the Chicago White Sox in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros right fielder Cam Smith (11) makes a catch in shallow right field, nearly colliding with second baseman Jose Altuve, on a pop up by Chicago White Sox right fielder Braden Montgomery during the eighth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros manager Joe Espada lifts reliever Bryan Abreu (52) from the game during the eighth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series against the Chicago White Sox in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Chicago White Sox second baseman Chase Meidroth (10) rounds the bases after hitting a 3-run home run off Houston Astros reliever Bryan Abreu during the sixth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Chicago White Sox second baseman Chase Meidroth (10) rounds the bases after hitting a 3-run home run off Houston Astros reliever Bryan Abreu during the sixth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu watches Chicago White Sox second baseman Chase Meidroth round the bases after giving up a 3-run home run during the sixth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Chicago White Sox second baseman Chase Meidroth (10) and Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz (21) watch the flight of his 3-run home run during the sixth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Cam Smith (11) reacts after striking out for the final out in the ninth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu reacts after giving up a 3-run home run by Chicago White Sox second baseman Chase Meidroth during the sixth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the sixth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans infielders Jeremy Peña, Jose Altuve (27), Nick Allen (20), and Christian Walker (8) stand behind the mound during a pitching change during the sixth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros manager Joe Espada (19) stands on the mound after taking Houston reliever Peter Lambert from the game against the Chicago White Sox during the sixth inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston fans cheer for Yordan Alvarez as he bats in the eighth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu (52) delivers in the eighth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel (8) and Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes (15) get tangled up after Paredes struck out and tried to advance to first on the dropped third strike during the third inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. Paredes was called out at first.
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Houston Astros Christian Walker (8) walks through the dugout after striking out to end the sixth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Christian Walker (8) walks through the dugout after striking out to end the sixth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Christian Walker (8) walks through the dugout after striking out to end the sixth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Christian Walker (8) walks through the dugout after striking out to end the sixth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Christian Walker (8) walks through the dugout after striking out to end the sixth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Christian Walker (8) walks through the dugout after striking out to end the sixth inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña (3) hits a solo home run off Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Sean Burke during the first inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros manager Joe Espada (19) walks back to the dugout after taking starter Hunter Brown from the game during the first inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series against the Chicago White Sox in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown pauses on the mound just before he was lifted from the game during the first inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series against the Chicago White Sox in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel (8) and Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas (20) celebrate after scoring as Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) walks back to the mound during the first inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Yordan Alvarez (44) is seen in the dugout after striking out during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Rap artist and entrepreneur Bun B throws out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series against the Chicago White Sox in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Third base, adorned with a playoff logo, is place on the field before Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros third baseman Nick Allen, left, visits with first baseman Christian Walker, second baseman Jose Altuve and shortstop Jeremy Peña after starting pitcher Hunter Brown is pulled in the first inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) reacts after giving up a line drive to Chicago White Sox Chase Meidroth for a single in the first inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown reacts after a throwing error by center fielder Lucas Spence allowed two runs to score in the first inning during Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Nick Allen fields ground ball at third base before Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Nick Allen fields ground ball at third base before Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Christian Walker heads toward home plate to take batting practice before Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Christian Walker heads toward home plate to take batting practice before Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Houston Astros Yordan Alvarez (44) looks back after fielding ball in left field before Game 2 of an American League Wild Card Series in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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Every final loss in the postseason comes with a clubhouse full of handshakes and hugs. There’s whispers of offseason plans and talks of reconvening in Florida for spring training in four months or so. As one of the only prominent free agents on the Houston Astros roster, Bryan Abreu had a different experience after the Chicago White Sox beat his team 7-3 in Game 2 to complete the wild-card series sweep the Astros on Wednesday.
It was a time of reflection on the parts of eight big-league seasons he’s pitched for the Astros, including being a key bullpen piece for five different playoff runs, as he enters free agency for the first time and the uncertainty of whether he’ll be back with the team that signed him as a 16-year-old out of the Dominican Republic 13 years ago.
“I’ll always be grateful to them for all the chances and opportunities they’ve given to me,” Abreu said. “I was able to grow as a person and a player and as a teammate, so I’m really grateful for this organization.”
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In what could have been Abreu’s final outing in an Astros’ uniform, he got tagged for a big home run in a key situation. After the Astros had climbed back into Game 2, cutting the White Sox’s four-run first-inning lead to 4-3, Abreu entered in the sixth inning with runners on first and second and nobody out.
White Sox manager Will Venable pulled a shrewd move by having Chase Meidroth, the first batter Abreu faced, square around to bunt, drawing the infield in, only for Meidroth to pull his bat back and Chicago execute a double steal to put both runners in scoring position. From there, Meidroth turned hero. The second baseman, who was 0-for-2 with two strikeouts against Abreu during the regular season, worked a 3-1 count before Abreu chose to throw him one of his best pitches. However, the usually nasty slider, hung up over the middle of the plate and Meidroth mashed it over the visitors bullpen at Daikin Park to give his team an insurmountable 7-3 edge.
“I was looking for something middle up,” Meidroth said. “He’s had my number all year, really good fastball, so I got something middle up and I was able to cash in for the team.”
Over the past two seasons, Abreu has thrown his slider 1,062 times and given up just seven home runs with opponents hitting .206 against one of his favorite pitches. This one wasn’t his best, though.
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“Probably the only thing I can say is I just missed the location,” he said. “But, I got beat with one of my best pitches, my slider, so I have to give him some credit as well.”
In his three years as manager, Joe Espada frequently turned to Abreu to get his team out of jams, and that’s what he was thinking when he turned to him again in such a key moment in Game 2.
“It looked like that slider stayed kind of in the middle of the plate,” Espada said. “But with the game on the line, that’s the guy you want out there. He’s been remarkable.”
Working mostly as a setup man in front of Ryan Pressly and then Josh Hader, Abreu’s 383 career relief appearances ranks third in franchise history behind only Dave Smith (562) and Billy Wagner (464). Barring a rough 2021, Abreu was good ever since he was first called up in 2019, but he’ll best be remembered for his performance in the 2022 postseason. As the Astros rode a dominant bullpen to their second World Series title, Abreu made four scoreless appearances, giving up just one hit and striking out nine, in five winnings against the Phillies. He also combined with Cristian Javier, Rafael Montero and Pressly for the combined no-hitter in Game 5 of that World Series. He pitched in 10 of the Astros’ 13 playoff games that year, throwing 11 ⅓ shutout innings and striking out 19.
“He’s gotten big outs for so many years, playoffs, World Series. Incredible,” Espada said. “I know he’s going into his free agent year and he’s one of those guys that you want to have in your ‘pen.”
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Even with free agency brought up to him not even an hour after the last out of the Astros’ season had been recorded, Abreu said that wasn’t something he ever thought about on the mound.
“I always think, ‘Go out there and give everything for the team. Go out there and compete, try to help, enjoy the moment,’” he said. “I never thought about that this could be this last one.”
And it may not be. The Astros face an uncertain future as they enter the offseason without a general manager, but the 29-year-old says he’s definitely open to signing a new contract with the only team he’s known since he was a teenager.
“Of course, why not?” Abreu said. “We always have the doors open. We have a lot of friends, teammates, family. I’ve spent my whole career with this team.”
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