How to Watch White Sox vs. Guardians in the 2026 ALDS on DIRECTV: Schedule, Channels and Streaming
The AL Central rivals meet in the postseason for the first time. The Chicago White Sox swept the Astros in the Wild Card Series, 6-3 and 7-3, for their first playoff series win since the 2005 World Series. Now they visit the division-champion Cleveland Guardians in a best-of-five American League Division Series. Game 1 is Saturday, October 3, at 1 p.m. ET (noon CT) at Progressive Field, and every game is on TBS, truTV and HBO Max, with Spanish on UniMás.
Here's the full series schedule, the DIRECTV channels to save and how to stream.
White Sox vs. Guardians ALDS schedule
All times Eastern. Every game airs on TBS, truTV, UniMás and HBO Max.
| Game | Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Sat., Oct. 3 | White Sox at Guardians | 1 p.m. |
| Game 2 | Mon., Oct. 5 | White Sox at Guardians | 5 p.m. |
| Game 3 | Wed., Oct. 7 | Guardians at White Sox | 4 p.m. |
| Game 4* | Thu., Oct. 8 | Guardians at White Sox | 5 p.m. |
| Game 5* | Sat., Oct. 10 | White Sox at Guardians | 5 p.m. |
*If necessary. Games 3 and 4 are at Rate Field in Chicago. Games 4 and 5 could move to 8 p.m. ET if the Yankees-Rays series is already over, so check your guide that day. For both AL series and the bracket, see our 2026 ALDS guide.
What channel is the White Sox-Guardians ALDS on DIRECTV?
TNT Sports simulcasts every game on TBS (channel 247) and truTV (channel 246), and both come with ENTERTAINMENT and higher packages. If one channel is recording something else, flip to the other. Postseason games are national broadcasts, so you won't find them on the teams' regional sports networks.
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Included with |
|---|---|---|
| TBS | 247 | ENTERTAINMENT and higher |
| truTV | 246 | ENTERTAINMENT and higher |
| UniMás (Spanish) | 408 | CHOICE and higher |
| MLB Network (studio shows) | 213 | CHOICE and higher |
| HBO Max (streaming) | App | HBO Max Standard included with PREMIER |
Not sure what's in your package? Call 1-855-690-9884 and we'll check your lineup.
How to stream White Sox vs. Guardians
HBO Max simulcasts every ALDS game. HBO Max says live MLB is included with its Standard and Premium plans, not Basic with Ads. DIRECTV's PREMIER package includes HBO Max Standard; activate it under Manage My TV Package at directv.com, then sign in to the HBO Max app, which comes preloaded on Gemini devices.
The DIRECTV app is another option on a phone or tablet: sign in with your DIRECTV account and tune to TBS or truTV. Saturday's opener starts at lunchtime in Chicago and Cleveland, so the app is handy if you're away from the TV.
Watch or listen in Spanish
- TV: UniMás carries the ALDS in Spanish. It's channel 408 on DIRECTV, included with CHOICE and higher.
- Radio: ESPN Radio carries every postseason game nationally in English.
Series preview
- Too close to call: Chicago won the season series 7-6. Six of the 13 games were decided by one run and two went to extra innings, with Cleveland winning four of the one-run games.
- Power vs. pitching: the White Sox hit 211 home runs, fifth in the majors, while the Guardians hit 162, 27th. Cleveland counters with one of the AL's best rotations and All-Star closer Cade Smith.
- Game 1 pitching: rookie lefty Parker Messick starts for Cleveland after going 12-9 with a 2.56 ERA in 32 starts, including a 2.81 ERA in four starts against Chicago. He's the Guardians' first rookie to start a postseason game since 2016. Gavin Williams, who led the AL with 248 strikeouts, starts Game 2.
- Chicago's choice: the White Sox hadn't named a Game 1 starter as of Friday. Anthony Kay pitched in relief in the Wild Card clincher, and Hagen Smith and Davis Martin are options.
- Hot hand: Chase Meidroth's three-run homer in the sixth inning put away the Astros in Game 2 for second-year manager Will Venable's club.
- Player to watch: Cleveland's José Ramírez had a .598 OPS and two home runs after the All-Star break following surgery for a fractured left hamate bone in June.
Plan your October on DIRECTV
The other ALDS starts later Saturday on the same channels: Yankees at Rays at 6:30 p.m. ET. See our Yankees vs. Rays ALDS guide. The National League side is on FOX and FS1 (channel 219); see the 2026 NLDS guide.
The ALCS starts Monday, October 12, on TBS, truTV and HBO Max. Compare DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884 before first pitch.
Frequently asked questions
What time is White Sox vs. Guardians Game 1?
First pitch is 1 p.m. ET (noon CT) on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
What channel is the White Sox game on DIRECTV?
TBS on channel 247 and truTV on channel 246. Both air every game of the series.
Is the ALDS on the White Sox or Guardians regional network?
No. Postseason games are national broadcasts on TBS, truTV and HBO Max, with UniMás in Spanish.
Can I stream the series?
Yes, on HBO Max with a Standard or Premium plan. DIRECTV PREMIER includes HBO Max Standard.
Where are Games 3 and 4?
At Rate Field in Chicago on Wednesday, October 7, at 4 p.m. ET and, if needed, Thursday, October 8, at 5 p.m. ET.
Questions about your lineup? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 2, 2026. Game times for Games 4 and 5, starting pitchers and injury news can change. Channel lineups, packages and prices vary by address and are subject to change. MLB, TBS, truTV, HBO Max, UniMás, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.