When Will Astros Regulars Debut This Spring? Espada Outlines Plan
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — If you’re tuning in to the Astros’ first Grapefruit League games expecting to see the full Opening Day lineup, you may need to be patient. Manager Joe Espada plans to ease most of Houston’s established position players into…
Dezenzo Embraces Team Italy WBC Opportunity Despite Astros Roster Battle
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — When Zach Dezenzo received a call more than a year ago asking whether he’d consider representing Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic, he didn’t hesitate. Dezenzo, who has Italian heritage on his father’s side, remembered the…
Astros Banking on Mike Burrows’ “Red-Ass” Intensity to Anchor Rotation
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Mike Burrows was throwing live batting practice Tuesday, the kind of easygoing early-spring session where hitters track pitches and pitchers sometimes chat between deliveries. Burrows wasn’t in a chatting mood. Manager Joe Espada…
Would Michael Conforto Actually Make Sense for the Astros?
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Astros have spent much of the offseason searching for a left-handed bat to balance an increasingly right-heavy lineup. Now, a familiar veteran name has surfaced. According to MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart, Houston has shown recent…
“Ohio? Ohayo!”: Astros Use Daily Word Board to Bridge Language Gaps in Camp
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — AJ Blubaugh wanted to connect with his new teammate. Tatsuya Imai, the star Japanese pitcher who signed with Houston in January, has an interpreter who follows him everywhere. But Blubaugh decided to try making contact directly.…
Astros Take a Chance on Rule 5 Pick Roddery Muñoz: “We Like Him a Lot”
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Astros broke an eight-year pattern in December when they selected right-hander Roddery Muñoz in the Rule 5 Draft, taking on one of baseball’s most restrictive roster gambles. Rule 5 selections come with a major condition: the…
Did Astros 2026 Giveaways Leak? What Was Spotted at Daikin Park
HOUSTON — The Houston Astros have not yet formally released their full 2026 promotional and giveaway calendar, but signage spotted at Daikin Park is already offering fans an early preview of theme nights, special events, and stadium giveaways for the…
Astros Adjust to Automated Strike Zone Challenges; Espada Wants Catchers in Control
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — As Major League Baseball introduces its automated ball-strike challenge system for the 2026 season, Astros manager Joe Espada is already setting the tone for how Houston plans to use it: let the catchers make the call. After years…
Colton Gordon to Start Astros’ Grapefruit League Opener Saturday
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Houston Astros will open their 2026 spring training schedule Saturday against the Washington Nationals with left-hander Colton Gordon on the mound, manager Joe Espada announced Tuesday. The game at CACTI Park of the Palm…
Espada’s Message at First Full-Squad Workout: Leave 2025 in the Past
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Astros officially opened full-squad workouts Monday in West Palm Beach, and manager Joe Espada wasted no time setting the tone for camp. His message to the 64 players in major-league camp was simple: Don’t let last season…
