Why the Astros Are Betting on a Six-Man Rotation — And Whether It Can Work
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Houston Astros are preparing to open 2026 with something they haven’t relied on in years: a six-man rotation. Manager Joe Espada confirmed in January that fans will “probably see it from the get-go.” The reasoning is…
Could AJ Blubaugh Become the Astros’ Most Valuable Pitcher in 2026?
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Astros’ six-man rotation isn’t just a pitching strategy. It’s a roster stress test. Houston plans to open the season with six starters to navigate 26 games in 28 days. That protects arms. It also thins the bullpen. With…
Astros Today’s Lineup vs. Cardinals — February 22, 2026
The Houston Astros lineup today has been released ahead of their Grapefruit League matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Game Details Date: Sunday, February 224, 2026First pitch: 12:05 p.m. CTLocation: CACTI Park of…
MLB’s New Coaching Box Rule Forces Perezchica to Adjust
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Tony Perezchica has spent years working angles at third base, adjusting his positioning to read caroms, track outfielders, and avoid screaming line drives. This spring, those angles are shrinking. Major League Baseball’s new rule…
Astros Drop Grapefruit League Opener, 2–1, to Nationals
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Houston Astros opened their 2026 spring schedule with a 2–1 loss to the Washington Nationals on Friday afternoon at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. With most veteran regulars still ramping up, Houston managed four hits and…
7 Things to Watch as Astros Spring Training Gets Underway
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Houston Astros are back on the field, which means it’s time to start paying attention to more than just box scores. Spring training isn’t about wins and losses. It’s about roles, rhythm, and reading between the lines. With new…
Astros Lose Versatile Infielder Ramón Urías to Cardinals
The Houston Astros’ infield depth shifted Saturday when free agent Ramón Urías agreed to a one-year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal first reported the agreement: a $2 million contract that includes $1.5 million guaranteed in…
Inside the Astros’ Plan for MLB’s New ABS Challenge System
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — José Altuve took the first pitch he saw from Hunter Brown during live batting practice Friday and immediately tapped his helmet, signaling a challenge under Major League Baseball’s new automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system.…
Tatsuya Imai’s First Live BP Session Leaves Astros Hitters Stunned: “Never Seen a Pitch Like That”
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Tatsuya Imai didn’t ease into his first live batting practice as a member of the Houston Astros. He attacked it. The Japanese right-hander, who signed with Houston earlier this offseason, faced major league hitters Friday…
Carlos Correa’s Leadership Shows, Not Tells, for Astros
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Three weeks doesn’t seem like enough time to earn the right to call out your teammates. Especially when you’ve been gone for 3½ years. Carlos Correa didn’t see it that way. After the Astros suffered their third straight shutout…