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Taylor Trammell Taylor Trammell Suffers calf strain Sat, Feb 22, 2025, 8:40 AM Trammell was diagnosed with a right calf strain Saturday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Trammell suffered the injury Friday while running the bases and is set to be out for a while, though the Astros didn't specify exactly how long that will be. The 27-year-old outfielder is fighting for a spot on the Astros' roster after being traded from New York in November, but his latest injury doesn't help his chances.
Luis Garcia Luis Garcia Throws bullpen session Fri, Feb 21, 2025, 9:31 AM Garcia (elbow) threw a bullpen session Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. Analysis: The Astros have already ruled Garcia out for Opening Day after he had a couple setbacks last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. However, he's been throwing for a while without issue and should be able to make some Grapefruit League appearances. Garcia hasn't started a major-league game since May 2023.
Mauricio Dubon Mauricio Dubon Could get regular looks at 2B Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 9:45 PM Dubon is an option to start at second base if Jose Altuve plays in left field, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Analysis: The Astros have been coy about their plans for Altuve, though Rome notes that he has only observed Altuve in the outfield early in spring training. Given that, current signs point to him getting at least some time in left field during the regular season, with the goal of Yordan Alvarez being the full-time designated hitter. In turn, playing time will open at second base, with Dubon and Brendan Rodgers seemingly the top candidates to fill the spot. Dubon has served as a utility player for Houston across the last two seasons and would be a candidate to post double-digit homers and steals with more regular at-bats.
Josh Hader Josh Hader Makes minor adjustments Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 1:02 PM Hader worked this offseason on limiting his movements before his windup in an effort to not tip his pitches, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Houston failed to make the ALCS for the first time in eight years, with Hader giving up a three-run double to Andy Ibanez as the Tigers were able to break open Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series and eliminate the Astros early. During the regular season, Hader logged a 3.80 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 105 strikeouts and 34 saves in 71 innings. In addition to trying to cut down on any pre-windup tells, Hader said he is working on making his changeup a bigger part of his arsenal, although that's something he's wanted to do for years, by his own admission, so it's too early to say this will actually be the year he's not mostly a two-pitch guy (sinker, slider). Regardless of whether he has a more reliable third pitch, Hader should once again rank near the top of the majors in saves and strikeouts among relievers.
Jose Altuve Jose Altuve First spring game will be in LF Wed, Feb 19, 2025, 9:06 AM Manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that Altuve will play left field in first Grapefruit League game this spring, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Altuve has seen significant reps in the outfield in the early days of camp and will work with the outfielders exclusively over the next 4-to-5 days. It's becoming clear at this point that the Astros are serious about potentially moving Altuve to left field, although the 34-year-old will have to show he's comfortable out there before the team commits to it. If Altuve does shift to the outfield, Mauricio Dubon looks to be the current favorite to start at second base. Houston also just agreed to a minor-league deal with Brendan Rodgers, who will be a threat to win the second base job.
Brendan Rodgers Brendan Rodgers Signs with Houston Tue, Feb 18, 2025, 10:16 PM Rodgers signed a minor-league contract with the Astros on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Analysis: Rodgers slashed .267/.314/.407 with 13 home runs and 54 RBI over 539 plate appearances with the Rockies last season. However, his OPS dropped to .571 when he wasn't hitting at Coors Field, which likely factored into Colorado's decision to non-tender him in November. Now in Houston, he figures to have a better chance of making the Opening Day roster with Jose Altuve moving to left field, though Rodgers will still have plenty of competition during spring training from Mauricio Dubon and Shay Whitcomb, among others.
Kaleb Ort Kaleb Ort Slowed by oblique issue Tue, Feb 18, 2025, 8:47 AM Astros manager Joe Espada said Tuesday that Ort experienced left oblique soreness following a recent bullpen session and won't throw for a few days, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. Analysis: The injury will most likely push Ort's Grapefruit League debut back until at least next week, but Espada hasn't suggested that the Astros are worried about the right-handed reliever's availability for Opening Day. Ort covered 24.2 innings out of the Houston bullpen in 2024, logging a 2.55 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 26:4 K:BB while collecting three holds.
Jose Altuve Jose Altuve Dabbling in left field, second base Mon, Feb 17, 2025, 7:09 PM Astros manager Joe Espada reiterated Monday that Altuve will see action at both second base and in left field this spring, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Earlier this month, Espada revealed that Altuve had been working out in left field for a couple weeks before the start of spring training, perhaps in anticipation of the Astros re-signing third baseman Alex Bregman, which would have resulted in offseason pickup Isaac Paredes shifting over to second base. While Bregman ultimately came to terms with the Red Sox on a three-year, $120 million deal, the Astros aren't yet closing the door on giving Altuve some exposure to left field, a position the 34-year-old hasn't played at any point since beginning his professional career in 2007. Espada said that he's made no permanent decisions on where Altuve will play this season, calling it an "everyday thing" with regard to how Altuve's deployment in the field will evolve throughout the spring based on the feedback he receives from the veteran. Even if Altuve ends up opening the season at his familiar spot at the keystone, the Astros could still look to move him to left field later on in the campaign to make way in the infield for top prospect Brice Matthews, who has spent most of his time at shortstop in the minors but made 11 starts at second base during winter ball in Puerto Rico.
Bennett Sousa Bennett Sousa Healthy for spring training Mon, Feb 17, 2025, 9:18 AM Sousa (shoulder) confirmed Sunday that he's fully healthy and has completed his recovery from the season-ending thoracic outlet syndrome surgery he underwent in April, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. Analysis: After a strong finish to the 2023 season, Sousa was poised to win a spot in Houston's Opening Day bullpen coming out of last spring training, but he developed shoulder inflammation late in camp and was placed on the injured list. He was then recommended for thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, after Sousa said that he had been dealing with symptoms of the syndrome for years. Though he experienced a complication during the procedure involving a buildup of fluid in his lung that required a hospital stay, Sousa's throwing program was relatively unaffected. He resumed playing catch in early July and stepped back on the mound for a bullpen session by September, so he's not expected to face any restrictions in camp. Sousa faces stiff competition for a spot in the Astros bullpen, however, and the fact that the lefty has a minor-league option remaining could hurt his chances of breaking camp with the big club.
Rafael Montero Rafael Montero Visa problems resolved Mon, Feb 17, 2025, 9:05 AM Montero reported to Astros camp Monday after previously dealing with visa issues, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Montero wound up being only a few days late in reporting, so his preparation shouldn't be too affected. He's owed $11.5 million in the final year of his contract but is in camp as a non-roster invitee.
Shawn Dubin Shawn Dubin Dealing with shoulder injury Sat, Feb 15, 2025, 8:44 AM Manager Joe Espada said Saturday that Dubin reported shoulder discomfort upon reporting for spring training, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Analysis: There's no telling at the moment how severe Dubin's injury is, but the Astros will shut him down from throwing for now and see how he feels after a few days of rest. The 29-year-old righty ended the 2024 regular season with a 4.17 ERA and 1.57 WHIP over 45.1 innings and is expected to take on a middle-relief role for the Astros out of camp.
Lance McCullers Jr. Lance McCullers Jr. Aims for late-camp game appearances Fri, Feb 14, 2025, 10:38 AM McCullers (forearm) hopes to pitch in Grapefruit League games toward the end of spring training, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Analysis: He would then be assigned to Triple-A Sugar Land after that to begin a rehab assignment. McCullers had surgery in June of 2023 to repair his right flexor tendon and remove a bone spur and had to be shut down for a while last year due to arm soreness. However, his recovery has been going well recently, as he's up to seven bullpen sessions thrown and is feeling good. McCullers could conceivably be ready to pitch for the Astros around May 1, but any timetable for the oft-injured righty is still guesswork.
Rafael Montero Rafael Montero Has visa issues Fri, Feb 14, 2025, 8:42 AM Montero has yet to report to camp due to visa issues but is expected to arrive in a few days, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Montero was removed from the Astros' 40-man roster last August but remained in the organization and will be in camp as a non-roster invitee when he does report. The 34-year-old held a 4.70 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 23:19 K:BB across 38.1 innings in 2024 and is owed $11.5 million in the final year of his contract.
Framber Valdez Framber Valdez No extension discussions Thu, Feb 13, 2025, 12:03 PM Valdez said Thursday that the Astros have yet to approach him or his agent regarding a contract extension, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Valdez is set to make $18 million during 2025 in his final year under team control, and there's been no indication to this point that Houston is eager to lock up the lefty to a long-term deal. He'll turn 32 next winter, but Valdez should have no trouble landing a sizable contract from someone following three straight top-10 finishes in voting for the American League Cy Young Award.
Luis Guillorme Luis Guillorme Links up with Houston Tue, Feb 11, 2025, 9:52 AM Guillorme agreed Tuesday with the Astros on a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to spring training, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Guillorme, 30, slashed just .205/.301/.273 over 77 regular-season games in 2024 while seeing action with three different teams. He's known for his steady glove and could win a reserve role in Houston, with the possibility of some starts at second base if the Astros wind up using Jose Altuve in left field extensively.
Colton Gordon Colton Gordon Debut could come in 2025 Thu, Feb 6, 2025, 12:31 PM Gordon will serve as a rotational depth option for the Astros in 2025, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Gordon is a longshot to secure a rotation spot during spring training, but Houston added him to the 40-man roster this offseason. That makes him a name to monitor given the lack of healthy depth options the Astros are projected to have for their starting staff. Gordon has a decent skillset, as he maintained a 16.3 K-BB% across 123.1 innings with Triple-A Sugar Land in 2024. However, he has a poor fastball, which could lead to inconsistent results as he seeks to establish himself in the majors.
Ryan Gusto Ryan Gusto Competing for depth role Thu, Feb 6, 2025, 12:17 PM Gusto will have the chance to compete for the fifth rotation spot for Houston, but he is more likely to establish himself as a depth option, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. Analysis: The Astros have four clear members of the rotation to begin the season, though they are depleted by injuries thereafter. Hayden Wesneski is the likeliest occupant of the final rotation spot, but Gusto is on the radar after a solid 2024 season at Triple-A Sugar Land, where he posted a 141:53 K:BB across across 148.1 innings while maintaining a 3.70 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. Gusto was also set to make his big-league debut on the final day of the 2024 regular season before the game was rained out.
Hayden Wesneski Hayden Wesneski Option for rotation Thu, Feb 6, 2025, 12:06 PM Wesneski is expected to begin the 2025 season in Houston's rotation, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. Analysis: The Astros have four clear starters in their rotation, though none of Lance McCullers (forearm), Cristian Javier (elbow) and Luis Garcia (elbow) will be ready to begin the campaign. That will open the door for Wesneski, who the club acquired as a part of the Kyle Tucker trade. Wesneski has pitched primarily as a reliever during his time in the big leagues, but he has a respectable 4.21 ERA paired with 14.8 K-BB% across 109 innings as a starter. His status could change if the Astros acquire another starter late in the offseason, though McTaggart suggested that is unlikely.
Ben Gamel Ben Gamel Remaining in Houston Wed, Feb 5, 2025, 7:30 PM Gamel signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Astros on Wednesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: Gamel joined the Astros in August via waivers last season, after which he slashed .259/.377/.362 with four RBI and 13 runs scored in 20 games before a fractured left fibula put an early end to his season in mid-September. The 32-year-old will look to earn a spot on Houston's Opening Day roster during spring training, likely competing with Zach Dezenzo for a bench role.
Jose Altuve Jose Altuve Already working out in left field Tue, Feb 4, 2025, 2:42 PM Astros manager Joe Espada said Tuesday that Altuve has been working out in left field for the last two weeks, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Altuve would move to left field if the Astros re-sign Alex Bregman, but it sounds like he might see some action in the outfield whether Bregman is brought back or not. Espada added that while he won't commit to how many games Altuve will play in the outfield, it's "something that we are looking at to create some flexibility." Altuve, 34, has never played the outfield either at the major- or minor-league level. Adding outfield eligibility would give him a boost in fantasy value.