CHICAGO -- Eloy Jiménez believed he would start for the White Sox in Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series at the Oakland Coliseum on Tuesday despite missing this past weekend with a right mid-foot sprain, but he was ultimately not in the lineup.

Jiménez, who sustained the injury Thursday against the Indians, did not get full clearance Tuesday. But after taking sprints, participating in batting practice and going through throwing and fielding drills in Monday’s workout, he feels much improved.

“A couple of days ago, I didn’t think I might play or something like that. I couldn’t even walk,” Jiménez said Monday. “Today, I just ran. I’m feeling really good that I’m going to be available to help the team.

• A's-White Sox Game 1 FAQ

“If I don’t play, I’m going to be in the dugout cheering for my boys,” Jiménez said.

Past history means nothing currently
The White Sox finished in a 2-8 funk after clinching their first playoff spot since 2008 on Sept. 17. They also have a 1-8 combined record from '17-19 when playing in Oakland.

None of those numbers matter to the team, with the playoffs beginning today at 2 p.m. CT.

• How the White Sox can advance past the A's

“It’s time to go to work,” said Lucas Giolito, Chicago's Game 1 starter. “This is what we are playing for now that we are here. It’s a brand new season. Everything that we did up to this point doesn’t matter anymore. It’s all about the game tomorrow and the game after tomorrow, and so on and so forth.”

“Yesterday ended the regular season, so now it's time to really dig in and continue to work, keep rallying around one another,” shortstop Tim Anderson said. “It's do or die, so that's going to play a huge role in guys' heads. Every pitch matters. Everything matters -- every out, every inning -- so it's time to definitely lock it in.”

• White Sox set postseason rotation

Giolito called his Game 1 start “an honor,” adding he’s really been looking forward to pitching in the postseason.

Lefty starter is all right for White Sox
News of Jesús Luzardo starting Game 1 for Oakland brought a collective smile to the faces of the White Sox offense. Luzardo is a talented southpaw, but the White Sox posted a perfect 14-0 record against left-handed starters this season.

“I’ve done my homework as much as I can,” said the 22-year-old Luzardo, who had a 4.12 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 59 innings this past season. “They’re a good team. A playoff team.”

• White Sox-A's position-by-position breakdown

The White Sox topped baseball with a .523 slugging percentage against left-handed pitchers this season and ranked second with an .887 OPS.

“You know, he still has to come to us,” Anderson said of Luzardo. “But it's a lefty, so we'll take it.

“Nothing against him, but we have been doing good against lefties. I guess they haven't done their homework, so hopefully we can go out and continue to do what we've been doing against lefties, and be able to come out with a win.”

Giolito’s no-hitter gets special honor
Prior to Sunday’s season-ending loss to the Cubs, Giolito and McCann were presented with special rings commissioned by White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf in honor of Giolito’s no-hitter against Pittsburgh on Aug. 25. It’s a tradition established many years ago by Reinsdorf, where he presents a commemorative ring to players who accomplish unique personal feats.

José Abreu received a ring after hitting for the cycle on Sept. 9, 2017 against the Giants.

“Extremely classy move by Jerry. The rings are absolutely beautiful,” Giolito said. “A lot of really cool stuff on it. You have the 27 [for the jersey number], the 13, diamonds surrounding it for the 13 strikeouts.

“Definitely something to be cherished, I’m going to pass it down to my kids. Just a testament to Jerry’s character. He takes care of us, he cares about us, so it was a nice little honor, for sure.”

Third to first
• Leury García looked good working out at Guaranteed Rate Field on Sunday and took some swings as part of a simulated game during Monday’s workout in Oakland. The switch-hitting utility player has been out of action since Aug. 10 after having surgery to repair a severed ligament in his left thumb.

• Left-hander Gio González, who left Sunday’s game with shoulder soreness, was still a little sore and is being evaluated, per Renteria.

• Giolito’s offseason California home is located 90 minutes from the A’s ballpark.

He said it
“There's a lot more there, a lot more room to continue to get better and continue to grow as a person, as a player as a teammate. I'm just excited, but let's not forget what we're here for. We're here to get a win and chase a ring, so it's not just about me.” -- Anderson, on being one of the faces of this exciting and young White Sox team