Astros start Spring Training

The Astros are in West Palm Beach, Fla., where the start of Spring Training has finally come. In the latest episode of Full Seam Ahead, Cantu and Zo give the listeners the latest news of the spring. 

McCullers ‘feels great’

Pitchers and catchers reported first. All eyes were on Lance McCullers Jr. as he strives to make his return to the mound. McCullers hasn’t pitched since 2022, so it was a great sight hearing the two-time World Series Champion say he is feeling fine after throwing bullpens.  Zo uncovers how McCullers offseason work led to a new pitching motion. 

The Astros have another pitcher eyeing a return. Starter Luis Garcia has also thrown from the mound this spring. Reliever Kaleb Ort felt oblique discomfort on his left side. 

The biggest news for Houston this Spring Training is 2017 American League MVP Jose Altuve making the move to left field. Since the start of Spring Training, Jose Altuve has taken many reps in left field. Altuve states he’s made significant progress in left. Astros manager Joe Espada also mentioned that Altuve will play left in games in spring. 

Astros’ new faces

Isaac Parades and Christian Walker are the new players donning an Astros uniform. Replacing Alex Bregman could be a tough pill to swallow for most, but Paredes is not feeling the pressure. He expects to play his game, and is looking forward to playing at Daikin Park. 

The loss of Bregman not only left a void at third, but also a leader in the clubhouse. Many believe Walker could fill the leadership role. While Walker stated he isn’t that vocal, he prefers to lead by example. 

Yordan Alvarez is ready for the season. The left-handed slugger will be limited in the outfield in order to keep his bat in the lineup as much as possible. Alvarez has shown he can create damage anywhere in the lineup, however the boys learned the 2019 Rookie of the Year prefers to be in the same spot of the order all the time. 

The Astros also signed Gold Glover Brendon Rogers. Keep up to date with Astros news with Full Seam Ahead. You can find Full Seam Ahead on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.