Houston Astros News

Christian Walker • 1B • Astros

Christian Walker Still Expected To Play On Thursday

Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker (oblique) took seven at-bats in a minor-league game on Tuesday and will travel back to Houston in the evening. He is still expected to be in the Opening Day lineup on Thursday against the New York Mets, according to manager Joe Espada. An oblique injury suffered in spring training limited Walker to only four Grapefruit League games, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him get off to a slow start at the plate in his first year in Houston. The 33-year-old veteran right-handed slugger is by no means an elite fantasy first baseman, but he's been among the most consistent power threats at the position the last three years with the Arizona Diamondbacks, producing two 30-homer campaigns while driving in 281 runs the last three seasons. His new home in Houston should help him continue that run as long as he stays healthy.

4 hours ago

Ryan Johnson • 2B • Astros |

Ryan Johnson • RP • Angels

Ryan Johnson Makes Angels Opening Day Roster

Right-handed pitching prospect Ryan Johnson has made the Los Angeles Angels' Opening Day roster despite having not pitched at all in the minor leagues after being taken in the second round last year, sources tell ESPN's Jeff Passan. Johnson becomes the second pitcher to make his MLB debut without pitching at all in the minors since left-hander Garrett Crochet. The Halos have been known to be aggressive in promoting their young prospects, but this is taking it to another level. The 22-year-old right-hander gave up five runs while striking out 10 and walking only one in 11 1/3 Cactus League innings this spring. The hard-throwing youngster has the strikeout upside to eventually settle into a late-inning role in the team's bullpen, but growing pains should be expected given his extreme lack of experience.

5 hours ago

Cam Smith • 3B • Astros

Cam Smith Makes Astros Opening Day Roster

Houston Astros prospect Cam Smith, who is starting in right field and batting fifth for the second straight day in Tuesday's exhibition against Triple-A Sugar Land, has officially made the team's Opening Day roster despite playing in just 32 minor-league games, according to three league sources. The 22-year-old is expected to start in right field on Thursday on Opening Day against the New York Mets. His 32 minor-league games played before making a big-league roster are the third-fewest of any player in MLB's draft era. Smith slashed .342/.419/.711 in spring training and exceeded all expectations after he was the key player in return when the Astros traded Kyle Tucker to the Cubs in the offseason. There are questions about his defense, but last year's 14th overall pick has been prolific on offense and will be relevant in all fantasy leagues as long as he plays regularly in 2025.

6 hours ago

Ryan Gusto • RP • Astros

Ryan Gusto Earns Opening Day Roster Spot In Bullpen

Houston Astros pitching prospect Ryan Gusto has made the team's Opening Day roster, according to manager Joe Espada. The 6-foot-4 hurler spent all of 2024 at Triple-A, posting a 3.70 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and a 14.1 percent K-BB% over 148 1/3 innings of work. The righty showed well enough this spring, too, allowing one earned run on three hits and seven walks while striking out eight in 7 2/3 innings. The former 11th-round draft pick has worked as both a starter and a reliever but is slated to begin the 2025 campaign as a reliever for the Astros. Whenever the 26-year-old pitches, it will be his major-league debut, but he need not be rostered in most fantasy leagues other than deep AL-only formats.

22 hours ago

Yordan Alvarez • LF • Astros |

Isaac Paredes • 3B • Astros

Isaac Paredes To Bat Second And Yordan Alvarez To Bat Third

Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes is set to bat in the two-hole entering the season, with outfielder Yordan Alvarez batting third, according to manager Joe Espada. Paredes will be looking to take advantage of the Crawford Boxes in short left field of Daikin Park and perform like the player he was in 2023 when he slashed .250/.352/.488 with 31 home runs for the Rays. He should see plenty of pitches to hit while batting in front of Alvarez, who has proven himself to be one of the best hitters in the league. He is coming off of a 2024 season where he slashed .308/.392/.567 with 35 home runs, 86 RBI, and 88 runs in 147 games.

22 hours ago

Cam Smith • 3B • Astros

Cam Smith Hits Two-Run Triple In Monday's Exhibition Contest

Houston Astros outfield prospect Cam Smith started in right field for the Astros' exhibition game on Monday against their Triple-A affiliate, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, and went 1-for-3 with a two-run triple and a run scored. It was the 22-year-old's first game at Houston's home field now that the team has wrapped up Grapefruit League play, and he continued his push for an Opening Day roster spot. The 2024 first-round draft pick was fired up after the triple and manager Joe Espada was quoted as saying, "We love that, the guys really enjoy the energy and the passion. We need some of that." If the youngster can secure a spot, which seems very likely at this point, he'd be worthy of consideration for a bench spot in deep-mixed fantasy leagues.

22 hours ago

Cam Smith • 3B • Astros

Cam Smith Starting In Right Field On Monday

Houston Astros prospect Cam Smith is making the start in right field and is hitting sixth for Monday's exhibition contest against Triple-A Sugar Land. The Astros haven't made any official decisions on their final roster for Opening Day this Thursday, but the fact that the 22-year-old Smith is in the lineup at all on Monday is a good indication that he'll break camp with the team this year. He could also very well be the team's Opening Day right fielder after impressing to the tune of a .342/.419/.711 slash line with a 1.129 OPS, four home runs, a triple, 11 RBI and eight runs scored in 15 Grapefruit League games this spring. If Smith opens the year on the Opening Day roster, the Astros aren't just going to park him on the bench, so he should at least be in a platoon with veteran Chas McCormick. Smith should already be stashed in keeper leagues, but he could be worth a bench spot in deep-mixed leagues as well.

Yesterday

Hayden Wesneski • SP • Astros

Hayden Wesneski Getting X-Rays On His Foot

Houston Astros right-hander Hayden Wesneski (foot) is getting X-rays on Friday after he was hit on his left foot by a comebacker in a minor-league game on Thursday, according to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart. The good news is that Wesneski was seen doing drills in camp on Friday, so it doesn't sound like a serious injury. The 27-year-old will open his first year in Houston as the team's No. 5 starter, and he could get some nice run in that role after Luis Garcia was recently shut down with right-elbow soreness. Wesneski has more fantasy appeal in deeper leagues as a matchup-based streamer as a starter, but his stuff has played better in a relief role in his first three big-league seasons with the Chicago Cubs. He went 3-6 in 2024 with a 3.86 ERA (4.51 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with 67 strikeouts and 21 walks in 28 outings (seven starts).

4 days ago

Forrest Whitley • SP • Astros |

Kaleb Ort • RP • Astros

Kaleb Ort, Forrest Whitley Not Expected To Be Ready For Opening Day

The Athletic's Matt Kawahara reports that Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown does not think pitchers Forrest Whitley (knee) and Kaleb Ort (oblique) will be ready to go for the start of the season. However, Brown did note that both relievers could return "inside the month of April." The oft-injured Whitley sustained a bruised knee during his last spring training appearance, and although it appears minor, he's still working through it. While his major-league experience is capped at three innings, the 27-year-old was excellent to close out the 2024 season for Triple-A Sugar Land. On the other hand, Ort picked up an oblique injury early in camp and is behind in his build-up. The 33-year-old was superb for the Stros a season ago with a 2.55 ERA in 24.2 innings, though he compiled a 6.26 ERA or higher over the prior two seasons. They'll boost Houston's bullpen when both are healthy, and it appears their stays on the IL won't be for long.

4 days ago

Christian Walker • 1B • Astros

Christian Walker To Be Ready For Opening Day

Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports that Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker (oblique) is on track to be ready for Opening Day. Walker has been sidelined since early March with left oblique soreness and has been relegated to hitting in the cages. However, he's set to get at-bats in minor-league games this weekend and will hang back to get some more while the team returns to Houston. It's good news for the veteran, as Houston will look for him to supplement some of the production lost by the departures of third baseman Alex Bregman (Red Sox) and outfielder Kyle Tucker (Cubs). The power-hitting righty saw his home run total drop a bit in 2024, though he played in 130 games instead of the 157+ he appeared in over the prior two seasons. He's often off the boards inside the top 75 in fantasy drafts.

4 days ago

Zach Dezenzo • 1B • Astros

Zach Dezenzo Returns To Grapefruit League Lineup

Houston Astros infielder Zach Dezenzo (jaw) is back in the team's Grapefruit League lineup on Thursday against the Miami Marlins, playing right field and batting cleanup. Dezenzo suffered a TMJ sprain in his jaw when he was hit in the face by a ground ball on Tuesday. The 24-year-old was cleared to play on Thursday after he avoided a concussion. He will now resume competing for one of the team's final roster spots out of camp as a bench player after playing in his first 19 major-league games in 2024. In 65 plate appearances, Dezenzo went 15-for-62 (.242) with two home runs, eight RBI and five runs scored. He's been better in spring training, going 14-for-37 (.378) with two homers, six RBI, a steal and seven runs scored in 15 Grapefruit League contests. Dezenzo is still developing as a hitter and won't carry much value in fantasy as a bench player if he makes the Opening Day roster.

5 days ago

Luis Garcia • SP • Astros

Luis Garcia Shut Down With Elbow Soreness

Houston Astros right-hander Luis Garcia (elbow) has been shut down with elbow soreness and will be seen by team doctors, according to manager Joe Espada. Garcia was originally scheduled to throw a live batting practice session in camp on Thursday. The 28-year-old Venezuelan hurler had Tommy John surgery in May of 2023 and has encountered multiple setbacks in his recovery, which kept him from pitching at all with the Astros in 2024. Another setback right before the start of the 2025 season is ominous news, but we'll have to wait and see what the team's diagnosis on his arm is. When healthy, Garcia should be locked into the Astros' starting rotation, but it could be a while before that comes to pass. In addition to missing all of last year, Garcia made just six starts for Houston in 2023 before being shut down. Even if he pitches in 2025, he's going to be on a strict innings limit.

5 days ago

Cam Smith • 3B • Astros

Cam Smith Stays Hot, Smacks Fourth Spring Home Run

Houston Astros third base/outfield prospect Cam Smith continued his hot hitting on Wednesday, going 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in an 8-2 Grapefruit League loss to the Mets. The home run was his fourth of the spring and he's now collected 11 RBI. Just a couple of days ago, it was reported that Smith had a "good" chance at making the Opening Day roster, and he hasn't done anything since then to make that any less true, only reinforced it. If he were to make the roster, it would likely be to play right field, with incumbent right fielder Chas McCormick hitting just .143 (4-for-28) this spring, although he does own an impressive 11:4 BB:K and has stolen four bags. Smith was selected in the first round of the 2024 Draft, and with 32 minor league games under his belt (none higher than Double-A), it would be quite the ascension if he were to make the roster, but the Florida State product appears to be forcing the team's hand. Going after pick 400 in current fantasy drafts, he could be a worthy late-round stash just in case and could be a steal if he managed to stick with the team for the entire season.

5 days ago

Ronel Blanco • SP • Astros

Ronel Blanco Exits Early On Wednesday

Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco (upper body) was pulled out early during Wednesday's spring training contest. Blanco was hit by a line drive in the upper body during his final inning of work. He didn't appear to be in much discomfort, but there was action in the bullpen after the incident. The Astros are likely just being cautious here with it still being spring training. Possibly a minor injury, but the Astros are likely to address Blanco's departure after the contest. For now, fantasy managers don't need to worry as it sounds like Blanco has avoided any kind of serious injury. UPDATE: Blanco gave a thumbs-up to Francisco Lindor, who hit the liner, and to catcher Yainer Diaz afterward.

6 days ago

Zach Dezenzo • 1B • Astros

Zach Dezenzo Expected To Play On Thursday

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said on Wednesday that infielder Zach Dezenzo (jaw) is expected to play in the team's Grapefruit League game on Thursday versus the Miami Marlins. Dezenzo is being seen by team doctors to make sure he doesn't have a concussion, but the 24-year-old appears to be fine after he was hit in the head by a ground ball in camp on Tuesday. He was officially diagnosed with a TMJ sprain on the left side of his jaw. The former 12th-round selection in 2022 out of Ohio State is currently hitting .378 (14-for-37) with two home runs, three doubles, six RBI, one steal and seven runs scored in 15 spring training games as he competes for a bench spot to begin the 2025 season. Dezenzo was a below-average hitter in his first 19 big-league games a year ago and probably would benefit from more time in the minors to begin the season.

6 days ago

Kaleb Ort • RP • Astros

Kaleb Ort To Throw Bullpen On Thursday

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said on Wednesday that right-hander Kaleb Ort (oblique) will throw a bullpen session in camp on Thursday. Ort is behind all the other pitchers in spring training after coming down with a left-oblique injury early in camp. Just based solely on the fact that the 33-year-old veteran isn't facing live hitters yet with just over a week to go until Opening Day means that he's likely to open the 2025 regular season on the injured list. However, Ort could be looking at a minimal IL stay to open the year if he can avoid any setbacks from here on out. He had a nice 2.55 ERA (5.23 FIP) and 0.81 WHIP with 26 strikeouts and only four walks in his first year with the Astros in 2024 in 24 2/3 relief innings. However, Ort sports a career 5.07 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, one save and a 77:29 K:BB in 76 1/3 innings in his four MLB seasons.

6 days ago

Christian Walker • 1B • Astros

Christian Walker On Track To Play This Weekend

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said on Wednesday that first baseman Christian Walker (oblique) is on track to play in Grapefruit League games this weekend. Walker is cutting it close to be ready for Opening Day next Thursday, but as long as he doesn't suffer a setback with his oblique when he resumes playing in games, he should be ready. The 33-year-old dealt with a sore left oblique in early March and has been held out of spring games since as a precaution. The good news is that Walker has been hitting in the cages, but he has also only had 10 plate appearances in spring training to this point. Fantasy managers shouldn't rule out Walker getting out to a slow start in 2025 in his first year with the Astros after signing a three-year, $60 million deal in December. The right-handed power hitter has been a consistent power hitter when healthy the last eight years with the D-backs, though.

6 days ago

Jose Altuve • 2B • Astros

Jose Altuve To Play "Most Of His Games" In Left Field

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve will play "most of his games" in left field in 2025, manager Joe Espada said on Wednesday. The skipper left the door open for things to change due to injuries and good performances in the minor leagues, but Espada made it clear that Altuve will open the year as the team's primary left fielder. While nothing had really been official until now, this was the expectation all along for the 34-year-old veteran after he has spent all his time playing left field in spring training. As a result, Mauricio Dubon figures to see most of the starts at second base for Houston to begin the season. While Father Time will eventually catch up to Altuve, the nine-time All-Star, former MVP, seven-time Silver Slugger winner, three-time batting champ and two-time World Series champ deserves the benefit of the doubt as a high-end fantasy second baseman that is adding value with outfield eligibility.

6 days ago

Yordan Alvarez • LF • Astros

Yordan Alvarez Starting On Wednesday

Houston Astros outfielder/designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (thumb) is returning to the starting lineup on Wednesday evening against the New York Mets. Alvarez was scratched from Tuesday's lineup due to this minor injury. However, as expected, Alvarez is set to return to action just 24 hours later. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case he faces a setback. Earlier in the offseason, the team has expressed that they will have Alvarez serve as their designated hitter more often to keep him healthy. Last season, the 27-year-old slugger made 53 starts in the outfield, but fantasy managers should expect that number to decline in 2025. In the batter's box, he posted an elite .308/.392/.567 slash line with 35 home runs and an elite .411 xwOBA. He should be viewed as a high-power upside No. 1 outfielder in all formats.

6 days ago

Luis Garcia • SP • Astros

Luis Garcia To Throw Live BP Thursday

Brian McTaggart of MLB.com notes that Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia (elbow) is set to throw a live batting practice session on Thursday. The 28-year-old hasn't pitched since May 2023 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. It's been a long road to recovery for him, as he suffered multiple setbacks last season during his rehab. The Astros have played it slow with Garcia, but he reportedly looked sharp in a bullpen session a few weeks ago and could be turning a corner in his recovery. His next steps will be determined depending on how Thursday's session goes. While the timeline for his return is unclear, he could rejoin the team in a few months after being stretched out. Garcia racked up a 27% strikeout rate over six starts (27 innings) in 2023 before being shut down. He's little more than a late-round flyer in fantasy drafts for the time being.

6 days ago

Houston Astros News

LEGEND