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 game action during the first week of spring training. While the Astros open their Grapefruit League schedule Saturday, the bulk of the regulars, including José Altuve, Yordan Alvarez and Carlos Correa, are not expected to appear until around Thursday, February 26, when the club plays its first split-squad games.
One notable exception: Jeremy Peña.
Peña is expected to play early and often this spring as he prepares to depart camp in early March to join the Dominican Republic for the World Baseball Classic. Espada said Peña will likely make his Grapefruit League debut Sunday as part of that buildup. Like teammate Zach Dezenzo, who is also leaving camp for WBC action, Peña’s schedule will be slightly different from most of Houston’s regulars.
Zach Dezenzo and Shay Whitcomb, also set to participate in the WBC, are on similar early-game schedules as they prepare to leave camp.
The Astros have adjusted their spring format this year to improve efficiency and preserve player health. Position players are working in smaller groups during workouts, and regulars will continue to get at-bats through live batting practice before appearing in games.
Meanwhile, Houston’s young outfield group will see immediate game action. Cam Smith, Zach Cole, Joey Loperfido and Dezenzo are among the players competing for roles, and spring reps will be critical as the club sorts through an unsettled outfield picture.
For fans planning which early spring games to watch, the takeaway is simple: If you want to see the everyday lineup, circle February 26. If you’re curious about roster battles and WBC-bound players ramping up, this weekend’s games should offer plenty to evaluate.
Photo by Johnmaxmena2 (CC BY 4.0).
