The written preview lands about a day and a half before the game, once the lineups, the injuries and the market have settled. Until then the boards below carry the matchup: recent form, how the two sides compare, and where each of them sits.
The full preview, matchup keys, probable starters and the storylines to watch, posts closer to game time, once lineups are set.
Each side's most recent results, newest first, with the score and who they played. These reach back into last season where a club has not played five yet, which is why every row carries its date.
Chicago White Sox
Cardinals
Cardinals
Cardinals
Pirates
Pirates
Kansas City Royals
Red Sox
Red Sox
Red Sox
Diamondbacks
DiamondbacksWhere both sides sit in the division they share, with each marked.
Chicago White Sox76-73.510L1
Cleveland Guardians76-74.507W1
Minnesota Twins70-79.470L1
Detroit Tigers70-79.470W4
Kansas City Royals66-84.440L2