Houston Astros News

MLB Spring Training Buzz: Cubs, Dodgers Add Outfielders

Notable news, notes and buzz with MLB spring training ramping up ahead of the World Baseball Classic and Opening Day.

7 HOURS AGO • FOX SPORTS

MLB Spring Training Buzz: Cubs, Dodgers Add Outfielders

AJ Blubaugh - Competing for final rotation spot Blubaugh is a candidate to fill one of the Astros' final two rotation spots, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Impact Houston will open the year with a six-man rotation to smooth Tatsuya Imai's transition from the NPB. Per Rome, Spencer Arrighetti and Lance McCullers are the early favorites to claim the final two spots, though Blubaugh, along with Ryan Weiss and Peter Lambert, remains in the mix and could bolster his case with a strong spring. Blubaugh was impressive as a rookie in 2025, posting a 1.69 ERA with a 0.88 WHIP and 35 strikeouts across 32 innings. Even if he doesn't crack the rotation out of camp, Blubaugh figures to make the Opening Day roster as a bullpen option.

7 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Kai-Wei Teng - Competing for bullpen spot Teng has impressed the Astros' staff early in spring, giving him a chance to make the Opening Day roster, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic.

Impact Per Rome, Houston has been impressed by Teng's ability to record swinging strikes "with multiple breaking balls". The right-hander was traded to the Astros in late January after posting a 6.37 ERA across 29.2 innings with San Francisco last year. Teng's ability to provide multiple innings out of the bullpen is certainly viewed as an asset, as Houston plans to open the season with a six-man rotation. Their middle relief depth has already been tested, as Enyel De Los Santos (knee) has yet to resume throwing, opening the door for Teng to claim a roster spot.

7 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Bryan Abreu - Could open year as closer Abreu could start the season as Houston's closer, with Josh Hader's (bicep) status unclear, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic.

Impact Hader has been limited to playing catch off flat ground thus far in spring, leaving his availability for Opening Day in doubt. If Hader does ultimately start the year on the IL, Abreu would be the clear choice to assume closing duties. The right-hander has been excellent as a setup man for the Astros, posting a combined 2.30 ERA over his last four seasons. Abreu logged 25 holds and a career-high seven saves in 2025.

7 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Mike Burrows - Sharp in spring debut Burrows pitched two innings in Sunday's Grapefruit League matchup against the Cardinals, allowing no runs on one hit and a walk while striking out two.

Impact It was an encouraging Astros debut for Burrows, who got the start against a St. Louis lineup that featured some projected Opening Day starters. Burrows, who joined Houston via trade in December, is coming off a solid rookie season with the Pirates, where he posted a 3.94 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP and 9.09 K/9 across 96 innings. The right-hander is expected to slot into the middle of a new-look Astros' rotation.

8 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Nate Pearson - Still ramping up after surgery Pearson (elbow) is still in a velocity ramp-up progression and might not be ready for Opening Day, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Impact The Astros aren't sure whether Pearson will be able to appear in Grapefruit League games, pointing to a likely stint on the injured list to begin the season. Pearson will be stretched out as a starting pitcher, but he does not have minor-league options remaining, so his role once he's healthy could be dependent on the Astros' needs at the time.

9 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Josh Hader - Might not be ready for Opening Day Hader (biceps) could begin the season on the injured list, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Impact The Astros have not ruled Hader out for Opening Day as he works his way back from left biceps inflammation. However, the closer is not included in the team's roster projection by Rome, who writes that it's "difficult to envision" the Astros rushing Hader back for the opener. Hader is currently limited to playing light catch on flat ground and it's unclear when he'll be allowed to throw off a mound again. If Hader does need to miss time, Bryan Abreu would assume the closer role for the Astros.

9 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Hunter Brown Set to Start Spring Matchup and Lead Astros on Opening Day The Houston Astros have left no doubt about who will be the leader of the rotation coming into 2026. The intentions are clear - Hunter Brown...

9 HOURS AGO • SI.COM

Leahy takes strong first step in bid for Cardinals' rotation WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Kyle Leahy needed just three pitches against Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña on Sunday to demonstrate why he is in the...

1 DAY AGO • MLB.COM

Astros have loved Burrows' stuff for a while. Now it's up close WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Ask Astros manager Joe Espada what he likes about pitcher Mike Burrows and he’ll mention his arsenal of pitches, hi...

1 DAY AGO • MLB.COM

Astros predicted to be top destination for $6.7 million All-Star outfielder, would be upgrade from Zach Cole | Sporting News Houston would be banking on this player bouncing back.

2 DAYS AGO • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Healthy Yordan a threat to Bagwell's HR mark - and key to playoff return WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The Astros’ single-season home run record of 47 was set by Hall of Fame first baseman Jeff Bagwell 26 years ago --...

2 DAYS AGO • MLB.COM

Astros New Arm Tatsuya Imai Impressing Teammates During BP Tatsuya Imai signing with the Houston Astros this offseason came to many people's surprise. The Astros aren't necessarily known for signing...

2 DAYS AGO • SI.COM

2025 MLB All-Stars on USA, Japan and Other 2026 World Baseball Classic Teams

How many 2025 MLB All-Stars are playing for Team USA, the Dominican Republic and Mexico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic?

3 DAYS AGO • FOX SPORTS

2025 MLB All-Stars on USA, Japan and Other 2026 World Baseball Classic Teams

Why Astros' Jose Altuve is not ranked as a top-10 second baseman in MLB by ESPN | Sporting News The Houston Astros legend isn't top-10 at his position anymore.

3 DAYS AGO • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

The blueprint for Astros' Mike Burrows to become a rotation mainstay | Sporting News Houston gave up quite a bit to get this RHP.

3 DAYS AGO • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

3 things to watch as Spring Training games start for Astros WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The Astros open Grapefruit League play Saturday against the Nationals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, with lefty...

3 DAYS AGO • MLB.COM

Astros hitters bowled over after Imai's first BP session WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- All eyes were on Tatsuya Imai on Friday afternoon when he faced hitters for the first time since signing with the A...

3 DAYS AGO • MLB.COM

Astros seem increasingly desperate as Mariners soak in good spring training vibes Spring training vibes aren’t everything, but Seattle’s calm confidence contrasts sharply with Houston’s increasingly desperate outfield hunt...

3 DAYS AGO • SODOMOJO.COM

MLB AL West Future Betting Picks: Totals, Pennant Winner, and More | Deadspin.com AL West betting preview featuring Astros under 86.5 wins, Mariners to win the AL at +550, and Athletics over 75.5 wins. Full MLB futures ana...

3 DAYS AGO • DEADSPIN.COM

Biggest Winners and Losers of the MLB Offseason

Before spring training games get underway, let’s look back and evaluate the winners and losers of this MLB offseason.

3 DAYS AGO • FOX SPORTS

Biggest Winners and Losers of the MLB Offseason

Todd Kalas calls Josh Hader's absence a 'devastating blow' as Astros await closer's return | Sporting News Could Josh Hader be the difference maker for the Astros?

4 DAYS AGO • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

'He just has a presence to him:' Correa brings peace of mind to hopeful Astros WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- After the Astros suffered their third consecutive shutout loss while they were in Detroit last August, veteran Carl...

4 DAYS AGO • MLB.COM

Astros still face major outfield questions over a year after Kyle Tucker trade | Sporting News The Astros have yet to find their plug-and-play corner outfielder.

4 DAYS AGO • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Astros are scraping the bottom of the barrel with interest in hated Dodgers flop The Astros are reportedly expressing interest in Michael Conforto as spring training gets underway.

4 DAYS AGO • DODGERSWAY.COM

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MLB Spring Training Buzz: Cubs, Dodgers Add Outfielders

2025 MLB All-Stars on USA, Japan and Other 2026 World Baseball Classic Teams

Biggest Winners and Losers of the MLB Offseason

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MLB Spring Training Buzz: Cubs, Dodgers Add Outfielders

2025 MLB All-Stars on USA, Japan and Other 2026 World Baseball Classic Teams

Biggest Winners and Losers of the MLB Offseason