Red Sox will open with Sale vs. Astros

Houston manager A.J. Hinch loves that Justin Verlander, his starter for Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Boston Red Sox Thursday, has a ton of postseason experience.

Hinch, however, is still plenty concerned about Red Sox starter Chris Sale despite this being his playoff debut in the first game of the series.

“I don’t think Sale is going to back down,” Hinch said. “I don’t think he’ll be spooked by not having experience.”

After eight years in the majors, Sale said he is excited about having a chance to pitch in the postseason which is “pretty fulfilling.”

But he’s trying to control his emotions about the opportunity. “You get a little amped up sometimes and that can kind of go crazy.”

Cubs

Right-hander Kyle Hendricks, who started Game 7 of the World Series last year against the Cleveland Indians, will lead the rotation for Chicago going into the National League Division Series, which begins Friday against the Nationals in Washington.

Nationals

Five-time All-Star Bryce Harper is back after recovering from a hyperextended left knee and ready to start in right Friday night in Game 1 of the NLDS against the defending champion Cubs.

Yankees

Sonny Gray will make his postseason debut for New York in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Indians. Gray, who was acquired in a deadline trade in July from Oakland to help the Yankees’ playoff push, will face Cleveland’s Trevor Bauer in the opener. Gray went 1-2 with a 4.86 ERA in three starts against the Indians this season.