FSA: Astros’ Cam Smith era begins

Opening Day is finally upon us, and the Astros look different than years past. Having lost veterans Alex Bregman in free agency, Kyle Tucker, and Ryan Pressly through trade, Houston is a lot younger.

Astros’ Cam Smith makes roster

Starting with the organization’s No. 1 Cam Smith who made the Opening Day roster. The Tampa, Fl., native was moved to tears after Joe Espada brought his mother to deliver the news during a team meeting. Both the Sugar Land Space Cowboys and the Astros players were present as Smith’s mother, Stephanie Hocza told him he made the team. 

Smith has played 32 minor league games. That makes him the third player to reach the Opening Day roster with minimal minor league games. Only the Rangers’ Pete Incavilia (0 minor league games) and Blue Jays’ John Olerud (6 games) were faster. 

The 22-year-old slugger is expected to start in right field for Houston. 

Youth movement

The youth movement continues for the Astros as second year player Zach Dezenzo made the team, along with rookie Ryan Gusto. Houston’s front end of the bullpen is young in terms of limited major league experience. Luis Contreras Steven Okert, Bryan King are hoping to help the Astros bullpen return back to their elite ways. 

The Astros play a three-game series against the New York Mets. Juan Soto and the Mets deep lineup bring an early season challenge to Houston’s ace Framber Valdez, who is penciled in for his fourth Opening Day Start. New York will counter with former Yankees reliever Clay Holmes, who is making his fifth career start. It’s his first start since 2018 as a member of the Pirates. 

New Astros

Hunter Brown and Spencer Arrighetti will follow Valdez. Astros fans will get a first glimpse of Jose Altuve in left field. They also get to see newly acquired Astro Isaac Paredes and Christian Walker. 

The boys also gave their traditional injury reports. There is bad news for Luis Garcia, but a positive update for Lance McCullers Jr. Find out more on the latest episode of Full Seam Ahead
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