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The Houston Astros are in the ALDS -- This is what you need to know ahead of Game 1 this weekend

Houston Astros players celebrate in the locker room after clinching the AL West title after a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) (Ross D. Franklin, Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

HOUSTON – The Houston Astros have clinched the AL West and earned a spot in the American League Division Series.

On Wednesday, the matchups have been decided, and the Astros will face the Minnesota Twins, including their former teammate, Carlos Correa.

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Click here for an explanation of how the MLB Postseason works.

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Who is starting for the Astros?

Justin Verlander will start Game 1 of the AL Division Series against the Minnesota Twins on Saturday, as reported by the Associated Press.

It will be the 35th career postseason start for Verlander, who returned to the AL West champion Astros in a trade from the New York Mets this summer.

Manager Dusty Baker announced Thursday that left-hander Framber Valdez would start Game 2 Sunday night.

Verlander, 40, was 13-8 with a 3.22 ERA in 27 starts this season. The three-time Cy Young Award winner was 7-3 with a 3.31 ERA in 11 starts for Houston after the trade.

The Twins, who won two games over the Blue Jays in the Wild Card Series to advance, have not announced their starters for the series.

Valdez, 29, was 12-11 with a 3.45 ERA in 31 starts this season. He threw a no-hitter against the Guardians in August.

Are tickets available for the ALDS at Minute Maid Park?

According to the MLB website, tickets are sold out. However, plenty of tickets are still available on SeatGeek for as low as $75.

ALDS Schedule -- Astros vs. Minnesota Twins

Game 1 | Oct. 7 @ Minute Maid Park - 3:45 p.m.

Game 2 | Oct. 8 @ Minute Maid Park - 7:03 p.m.

Game 3 | Oct. 10 @ Target Field - 3:07 p.m.

Game 4 | Oct. 11 @ Target Field (if necessary) - TBD

Game 5 | Oct. 13 @ Minute Maid Park (if necessary) - TBD

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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About the Authors

A graduate of the University of Houston-Downtown, Ana moved to H-Town from sunny southern California in 2015. In 2020, she joined the KPRC 2 digital team as an intern. Ana is a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, a catmom of 3, and an aquarium enthusiast. In her spare time, she's an avid video gamer and loves to travel.

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