Houston Astros News

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Bryan Abreu • RP • Astros

Bryan Abreu Ticketed for Ninth-Inning Role in Houston

Houston Astros reliever Bryan Abreu appears to be in a position to take over as the team's closer to begin the year. Houston's regular closer, Josh Hader (biceps), threw his first bullpen session of the spring on Tuesday, but manager Joe Espada has already ruled the veteran out for Opening Day. Abreu has been both durable and effective for the Astros over the last four years, recording a 2.30 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and a 23.9 percent K-BB% during that span. Hader is not expected to miss too much time, so Abreu's hold on the closer role should only be temporary, but given Hader's lengthy injury history and Abreu's ability to perform, there could be opportunities for additional save chances throughout the year. Bump Abreu up draft boards slightly, as the early-season save chances added to his ability to lower ratios while providing plenty of strikeouts should only bolster the 28-year-old's fantasy relevance.

Yesterday

Brice Matthews • SS • Astros

Brice Matthews Could Make Astros' Opening Day Roster?

Houston Astros infielder/outfielder Brice Matthews is among the players that MLB.com's Brian McTaggart lists as having a "strong case" to make the team's Opening Day roster. A first-round pick of Houston's in 2023, Matthews made his MLB debut in 2025 and hit .167/.222/.452 with four home runs, nine RBI, 6 runs scored, and one stolen base across 47 plate appearances. Matthews posted strong numbers across 498 plate appearances in Triple-A, slashing .260/.371/.458 with 17 home runs, 64 RBI, 70 runs scored, and 41 stolen bases. However, the 23-year-old posted a 27.9% strikeout rate in the Minors and a 42.6% rate in a small sample size at the big-league level. If he cracks Houston's Opening Day roster, Matthews would likely open the season in a utility role. Still, his power-speed profile gives him some fantasy upside.

Yesterday

Josh Hader • RP • Astros

Josh Hader to Start the Year on the Injured List

Houston Astros left-handed closer Josh Hader (biceps) will start the season on the injured list, manager Joe Espada told Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Hader threw his first spring training bullpen session on Tuesday and felt good, but the timeline the Astros have laid out won't have Hader ready by Opening Day at the end of the month. The 31-year-old six-time All-Star has become a much more risky fantasy closer because of his injury and the fact that he finished last year injured as well with a left-shoulder strain. Hader was still pretty dominant in 2025 when he was healthy, going 6-2 with a 2.05 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 28 saves, and 76 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings pitched, and he will take over closing duties in Houston as soon as he's ready to make his season debut. In the meantime, though, Bryan Abreu is absolutely worth a late-round flier for saves for however long Hader is out.

Yesterday

Jeremy Peña • SS • Astros

Jeremy Pena Doing Infield Work in Camp

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (finger) has still been able to do infield work in camp despite dealing with a fractured right ring finger that knocked him out of playing in the World Baseball Classic for the Dominican Republic, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. The 28-year-old's status for Opening Day later this month will depend on how he progresses over the next couple of weeks. If Pena begins the year on the injured list, Carlos Correa will shift over to shortstop, allowing Isaac Paredes to play third base. Nick Allen would be another option to start at the 6 with Pena injured. The injury doesn't appear to be very serious, but it does make Pena a little less attractive as a low-end starting fantasy shortstop going into 2026. Pena was a first-time All-Star in 2025 in his fourth year in the league, slashing .304/.363/.477 with an .840 OPS, 17 home runs, 62 RBI, 68 runs, and 20 steals in his 125 games played.

2 days ago

Josh Hader • RP • Astros

Josh Hader Throws Bullpen, Still Unsure on Opening Day Availability

Houston Astros left-handed closer Josh Hader (biceps) threw around 15 pitches in his first bullpen session of the spring on Tuesday, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. "Speed is there, fastball is there, action is there, synched up. All positives," Hader said. However, when asked about whether he'll be ready for Opening Day later this month, he said, "We'll see." The 31-year-old hard-throwing southpaw entered spring training last month with left-biceps inflammation and also ended the year on the injured list in 2025 with a left-shoulder strain. It makes Hader a lot more risky as a top-shelf closer in fantasy baseball entering the 2026 season, and it also makes late-inning setup man Bryan Abreu worthy of a late-round flier for saves speculators in case Hader isn't ready for the start of the season. When healthy last year, Hader was still dominant, posting a 2.05 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 76 strikeouts, and 28 saves in 52 2/3 innings pitched.

2 days ago

Josh Hader • RP • Astros

Josh Hader to Throw a Bullpen on Tuesday

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said that left-handed closer Josh Hader (biceps) will throw a bullpen session on Tuesday in camp, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. It will be the first time that Hader has thrown off a mound this spring after he reported to spring training last month with left-biceps inflammation. The 31-year-old southpaw also missed the end of last season with a left-shoulder strain, so he's carrying a lot more injury risk for fantasy managers going into his 10th year in the big leagues. The six-time All-Star was still pretty dominant as Houston's closer last year despite dealing with injuries, as he posted a 2.05 ERA (3.25 FIP), 0.85 WHIP, 28 saves, 76 strikeouts, and 16 walks in 52 2/3 innings pitched. There's a good chance that the Astros will play it safe and have Hader open the 2026 regular season on the injured list, which has made right-hander Bryan Abreu a more attractive late-round dart throw for saves speculators.

3 days ago

Carlos Correa • SS • Astros

Carlos Correa to Play Shortstop on Monday

Houston Astros infielder Carlos Correa (neck), who was scratched from the Grapefruit League lineup on Friday with a neck injury, will start at shortstop on Monday against the St. Louis Cardinals, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. The 31-year-old's neck injury is not serious, and he's day-to-day for now. With regular shortstop Jeremy Pena (finger) up in the air to be ready for Opening Day in late March due to a fractured finger, the Astros are going to give Correa some reps at the 6. In the event Pena starts the year on the injured list, Correa would slide over to shortstop, opening up playing time for Isaac Paredes at third. The Minnesota Twins shipped Correa back to Houston last year, and he immediately improved his production in Houston, hitting .290/.355/.430 with six homers and 21 RBI in 51 games. Fantasy managers will be hoping that a full season back with the 'Stros will help Correa return to the 20-homer mark, but durability is a major concern.

5 days ago

Christian Vázquez • C • Astros

Astros Sign Christian Vazquez to Minor-League Deal

The Houston Astros are signing free-agent catcher Christian Vazquez to a minor-league deal with an invitation to major-league camp on Saturday, according to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Vazquez played in Houston for part of the 2022 campaign and will now return to the Astros as catching depth behind Yainer Diaz in 2026. The 35-year-old veteran hit just .189/.271/.274 with a .545 OPS, three home runs, 14 RBI, and 14 runs scored in 214 plate appearances over 65 games played last year for the Minnesota Twins. Vazquez is a career .250/.299/.367 hitter in his 11 big-league seasons and has 71 home runs in 993 regular-season games. He will report to Astros camp after playing in the World Baseball Classic with Team Puerto Rico. With a limited offensive profile and in a backup role, fantasy managers can avoid Vazquez in the vast majority of leagues.

5 days ago

Jeremy Peña • SS • Astros

Jeremy Pena Hopes to be Ready for Opening Day

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (finger) said the goal is to try to be ready for Opening Day at the end of March, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. "I don't know how it's going to heal, I don't know what the process is going to be like, but the goal is always to try to join the team for Opening Day," Pena said. The 28-year-old was diagnosed with a fracture in the tip of his right ring finger on Thursday, and he'll be re-evaluated in two weeks. The injury will force Pena to miss the World Baseball Classic for Team Dominican Republic, but he's hoping he'll be healed in time for the start of the 2026 regular season. If Pena goes on the injured list to start the year, either Carlos Correa or Nick Allen are the candidates to take over at the 6 in Houston. It's not a serious injury for Pena, but it's enough to have fantasy managers hesitant to take him as a low-end starting shortstop in upcoming drafts.

6 days ago

Carlos Correa • SS • Astros

Carlos Correa Scratched With Neck Injury

Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (neck) has been scratched from the starting lineup ahead of Friday's contest against the Washington Nationals. Correa is dealing with neck stiffness, so the Astros will play it safe and give him the day off. Astros manager Joe Espada said the team will see how Correa feels on Saturday. That being said, it sounds like Correa should be viewed as day-to-day. A lengthy absence by Correa would be problematic with Jeremy Pena (finger) already out. Luckily, it seems like Correa should be fine in a few days, so fantasy managers and Astros fans shouldn't have anything to worry about.

6 days ago

Jeremy Peña • SS • Astros

Jeremy Pena has Finger Fracture, to be Re-Evaluated in Two Weeks

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (finger) has been diagnosed with a fracture in the tip of his right ring finger, according to the team, and he'll be re-evaluated in two weeks, per Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Pena and the Astros were downplaying the severity of the injury that occurred on Wednesday while playing for Team Dominican Republic, when a ground ball took a bad hop and hit him in the finger. The 28-year-old will now miss the World Baseball Classic, and there's a chance he'll be forced to miss the start of the 2026 regular season as well, depending on how he recovers in the next couple of weeks. If Pena is forced to the injured list, Carlos Correa would slide over to shortstop, and Isaac Paredes would fill in at third base in Houston. Fantasy managers might be a little more hesitant to take Pena as a low-end starting shortstop in fantasy drafts now.

7 days ago

Josh Hader • RP • Astros

Josh Hader to Throw Off a Mound Early Next Week

Houston Astros left-handed closer Josh Hader (biceps) will throw off a mound early next week, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. It will be the first time that Hader has thrown off a mound in camp after reporting to spring training this year with left-biceps inflammation. The 31-year-old veteran has only been throwing off flat ground so far. Fantasy managers must remember that Hader also missed the last seven weeks of the 2025 season due to a left-shoulder strain, so the hard-throwing six-time All-Star is entering the 2026 season as a risk/reward fantasy closer. Even if he doesn't suffer any setbacks going forward, there's a good chance Hader won't be ready for Opening Day, which would open the door for Bryan Abreu to serve as Houston's closer early on. When healthy last year, Hader was still his dominant self, posting a 2.05 ERA and 0.85 WHIP with 76 strikeouts and 28 saves for the Astros.

7 days ago

Jeremy Peña • SS • Astros

Jeremy Pena to Visit With Hand Specialist

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (hand) will visit with a hand specialist on Thursday to determine the extent of his finger injury, manager Joe Espada told Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. A ground ball hit Pena on the ring finger of his right hand and damaged the nail area while playing for Team Dominican Republic on Wednesday. It was also reported that the 28-year-old suffered a small fracture in his finger, but he was sent for X-rays for further information. Pena wanted to remain in the game after the injury. It doesn't appear to be a very serious injury, but we'll know more about his status after he visits with the hand specialist. At the very least, Pena might be shut down from some World Baseball Classic games while his finger heals, but it sounds like he could still be in play for Opening Day in late March. If Pena misses time to begin the 2026 regular season, Carlos Correa would most likely shift over to shortstop, opening up playing time at third for Isaac Paredes.

7 days ago

Jeremy Peña • SS • Astros

Jeremy Pena Suffers Small Fracture in his Finger

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (finger) suffered a small fracture in one of his fingers and will miss at least the first round of the World Baseball Classic, according to Dionisio Soldevila. It doesn't sound like it's too serious, but this will also put the 28-year-old's availability for the start of the 2026 regular season up in the air. If Pena opens the year on the injured list, Carlos Correa would likely move over to the 6, opening up starting duties at the hot corner for Isaac Paredes. Pena was a first-time All-Star last year, slashing .304/.363/.477 with a career-high .840 OPS, 17 home runs, 62 RBI, 68 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases in 125 games played over 543 plate appearances. He was pretty productive for the Astros and fantasy managers despite missing time with oblique and rib injuries. Pena is a more modest five-category contributor at a premium position, but he won't cost as much as the elite names on draft day. He could be even more of a value pick due to his finger injury. UPDATE: Pena will undergo X-rays after a ground ball took a bad hop and struck a fingertip during Wednesday's exhibition game.

7 days ago

Josh Hader • RP • Astros

Josh Hader Could Throw a Bullpen Next Week

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said that left-handed closer Josh Hader (biceps) could throw a bullpen session next week, according to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Hader came into spring training last month with left-biceps inflammation and has been limited to throwing on flat ground so far. The move to throwing off a mound is a big step for the 31-year-old, but it doesn't necessarily ensure that he'll be ready to go by Opening Day in late March. Fantasy managers need to keep in mind that the hard-throwing southpaw also missed the last seven weeks of the 2025 regular season due to a left-shoulder strain. Typically an elite closer in fantasy, Hader's stock is falling due to injury concerns going into the 2026 campaign. Meanwhile, Bryan Abreu has become a popular late-round target as the likely ninth-inning replacement if Hader begins the year on the injured list.

Mar 3

Isaac Paredes • 3B • Astros

Isaac Paredes Starting at First Base on Tuesday

Houston Astros infielder Isaac Paredes will make his first Grapefruit League start at first base on Tuesday night, according to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Manager Joe Espada said Paredes' practice "work around the base has been good -- holding runners, scoops, all that." Paredes will move back to third base for his next start. The Astros are moving the 27-year-old around the diamond at third, second, and first this spring to try to find additional ways to get him into the starting lineup regularly. Carlos Correa is the primary third baseman, while Jose Altuve is moving back to second full-time in 2026, leaving Paredes without a permanent defensive home. If he isn't traded before Opening Day, Paredes may serve in more of a utility infield role. The two-time All-Star hit 20 home runs in only 102 games last year in his first season in Houston, and he has plenty of pop in his bat, but his fantasy value will remain limited as long as he stays with the Astros.

Mar 3

Mike Burrows • SP • Astros

Mike Burrows Looking Strong in Early Spring Action

Houston Astros starting pitcher Mike Burrows landed with his new team as part of a three-team swap this offseason, and the team sees him as an "upside play" who can jump into their rotation right away. The Astros saw an opportunity to adjust his pitch mix a little bit and add in a two-seam fastball. The early returns have been very positive for Burrows, who has pitched five scoreless innings in his first two Grapefruit League outings, striking out six with two walks and two hits allowed. He went 2-4 with a 3.94 ERA, 4.00 FIP, and 97 strikeouts in 97 MLB innings with the Pirates last year, but the Astros could help unlock even stronger results from the 26-year-old righty this season. He's going at the end of drafts in most formats but is worth considering as a deep-league sleeper with considerable upside. The team has several starting pitching options to consider for the rotation, but they are high on Burrows, who seems to be on his way to earning a spot in the Opening Day rotation. At his extremely low ADP, Burrows is bursting with sleeper potential.

Mar 3

Isaac Paredes • 3B • Astros

Isaac Paredes Homers in Spring Debut

Houston Astros infielder Isaac Paredes went 1-for-2 with a walk and a solo home run in his Grapefruit League debut on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Paredes missed a huge chunk of last season due to a severe hamstring injury, so the Astros chose to slow-play him in spring training. The 27-year-old is past his hamstring injury now, but playing time is a real concern for him going into the 2026 season if he remains in Houston. Carlos Correa is the team's primary third baseman, and Jose Altuve is moving back to second base on a more permanent basis, leaving Paredes as a man without an everyday position. Paredes' power from the right side of the plate is real, especially in Houston, and he has delivered 90 home runs in the last four seasons for fantasy managers. His homer on Saturday came off Bucs right-hander Bubba Chandler. Unless a trade or injury for the Astros clears up regular playing time for him, Paredes will merely be a depth option for power at a corner-infield spot.

Mar 2

Yordan Alvarez • LF • Astros

Yordan Alvarez Making Spring Debut on Monday

Houston Astros designated hitter/outfielder Yordan Alvarez is making his Grapefruit League debut on Monday against the Washington Nationals, serving as the DH and batting second, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Alvarez isn't dealing with an injury, but the Astros chose to slow-play him this spring after he was limited to 48 games in 2025 due to ankle and hand injuries. To keep the 28-year-old left-handed slugger healthy all year, the Astros plan on using him primarily as a DH this year, while occasionally giving him some action in left field. The Cuban slugger made the All-Star team for three straight years from 2022 to 2024 and was annually one of the best all-around hitters in the game before struggling with injuries last year. Alvarez reached the 30-homer mark for four straight seasons from 2021-24, and he could easily bounce back in the power department in 2026 if he stays on the field.

Mar 2

Brice Matthews • SS • Astros

Brice Matthews Enjoying Hot Start in Grapefruit League

Houston Astros shortstop/outfield prospect Brice Matthews has enjoyed a hot start to spring training and is making a strong case to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. The team's top prospect (according to MLB.com) has gone 4-for-10 at the plate with one double and one stolen base. Matthews progressed through the minors as a shortstop but has begun to see time in the outfield, given Houston's immense infield depth. Last summer, the former 28th overall pick made his MLB debut and held a .167/.222/.452 line with four home runs and one stolen base across a brief 13-game stint. He spent most of the summer at Triple-A Sugar Land, where he held a .260/.371/.458 line with 17 home runs and 41 swiped bases over a 112-game stint. Given Houston's lack of proven options in the outfield, Matthews could be worth a late-round selection given his power and speed upside.

Mar 2

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