Chicago White Sox playoff schedule set for ALDS series against Houston Astros

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago White Sox are back in the playoffs after winning the AL Central Division for the first time since 2008 and are scheduled to take on the Houston Astros in the American League Division Series.

The Astros finished with a better record during the regular season and will have home-field advantage in the best-of-five series.

Playoff dates for the series have been released, as have game times by Monday afternoon.

White Sox ALDS schedule:

Game 1: Thursday, Oct., 7 at Houston, first pitch at 3:07 p.m. CT

Game 2: Friday, Oct. 8, at Houston, first pitch at 1:07 p.m. CT

Game 3: Sunday, Oct. 10, at Guaranteed Rate Field, first pitch at 7:07 p.m. CT

Game 4: Monday, Oct. 11, at Guaranteed Rate Field (if necessary)

Game 5: Wednesday, Oct. 13, at Houston (if necessary)

The White Sox have played the Astros in the playoffs before, sweeping Houston in the 2005 World Series.

If the White Sox are able to win the series, they will advance to the American League Championship Series.

The White Sox will be hosting a "Change the Game" rally outside Guaranteed Rate Field Monday at 3 p.m.

The free event is ticketed. It will feature, music, food and the opportunity to win prizes and playoff merchandise.