WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Houston Astros scratched center fielder Jake Meyers from Friday’s Grapefruit League lineup against the Washington Nationals due to back spasms, the team announced approximately 50 minutes before first pitch.
Meyers, 28, was scheduled to make his third spring start of 2026. He has been the Astros’ most experienced returning outfielder after serving as Houston’s primary center fielder in 2025, posting a 103 OPS-plus in 104 games.
The Astros have been relatively healthy on the position-player side this spring training. The team did not immediately provide further details on the severity of Meyers’ back spasms or a timeline for his return.
Meyers is competing for playing time in an unsettled Astros outfield that features younger players including Joey Loperfido, Zach Cole, and prospects like Brice Matthews and Cam Smith.
The injury comes as the Astros (1-4-1) continue to search for offensive consistency in Grapefruit League play. They are facing the Nationals on Friday at CACTI Park, with Lance McCullers Jr. making his spring debut.
