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  • Jose Altuve Expected To Miss 8-10 Weeks

    Houston Astros All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve (thumb) is expected to miss eight to 10 weeks due to a broken right thumb that he suffered in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals on Saturday night while playing for Team Venezuela. Altuve was hit by a pitch while facing Team USA and reliever Daniel Bard on Saturday, and now he's not expected to make his 2023 season debut until late May. The 32-year-old veteran may not return until June, depending on how his thumb heals. In the meantime, David Hensley, Mauricio Dubon and Rylan Bannon will compete for playing time at the keystone with Altuve on the shelf. It's a tough break for anyone that has already drafted Altuve, and for those with upcoming drafts, his fantasy stock obviously takes a big hit this year.

    Mar 19 · Source via Astros Jose Altuve

  • Jose Altuve Exits WBC Quarterfinals With Hand Injury

    Houston Astros and Team Venezuela's second baseman Jose Altuve (hand) exited Saturday's quarterfinal game against Team USA after taking a pitch to the hand. Altuve is being tested to determine the severity of the injury, but things aren't looking too good based on his reaction. The 32-year-old was one-for-two before being replaced by Luis Rengifo in the fifth inning. In the tournament, Altuve is hitting .214/.450/.286 with a .736 OPS. This is a devastating injury for Team Venezuela, but for the Astros, this is even more impactful. Depending on the severity of the injury, there is a possibility that Altuve will miss some time to begin the season.

    Mar 18 · Source via Astros Jose Altuve

  • Jose Altuve Struggling In Spring, WBC

    Houston Astros second basemanJose Altuvehas yet to find his groove this spring. Altuve was hitting .143 during Spring Training and is hitting .167 during the World Baseball Classic for Team Venezuela. It's nothing to be alarmed about, but you hope that one of the game's better hitters will get on a hot streak to carry into the beginning of the regular season. Venezuela will play Team USA Saturday night in the quarterfinals, so Altuve should have a few more chances to get going against big-league pitching. The No. 2 second baseman for RotoBaller rankings, it will be hard for Altuve to recreate his 164 wRC+ from 2022, but if he's healthy all year, he should again be amongst the best in the game.

    Mar 17 · Source via Astros Jose Altuve

  • Yordan Alvarez Taking On-Field Batting Practice Friday

    Houston Astros outfielder/designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (hand) is scheduled to take on-field batting practice on Friday, according to manager Dusty Baker. It's the first time that Alvarez will take on-field batting practice this spring. Alvarez has been held out of spring action due to a sore left hand, which is something he also dealt with in 2022. However, the Astros still expect him to be ready for Opening Day at the end of March. It's still a bit concerning for fantasy managers, though, and it's something to keep an eye on once the 2023 regular season begins. But when healthy, the 25-year-old left-handed slugger can be a beast at the plate and should be considered a top-10 fantasy selection in upcoming drafts.

    Mar 17 · Source via Astros Yordan Alvarez

  • Astros Notes: Gurriel, McCullers, Bullpen

    As Yuli Gurriel’s free agency lingered into the late stages of the offseason, many Astros fans wondered whether there might be potential for a reunion between the two parties. Houston GM Dana Brown candidly acknowledged last month that while the organization loved Gurriel as both a person and a player, it would be difficult to…

    Mar 16 · MLB Trade Rumors Astros Marlins Jose Abreu Hunter Brown Austin Davis Matt Gage Yuli Gurriel Lance McCullers Jr. Parker Mushinski Blake Taylor closers

  • Cristian Javier Strikes Out Four In Monday's Win

    Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier looked strong in his World Baseball Classic debut for Team Dominican Republic Monday, pitching four scoreless innings in a 6-1 win over Team Nicaragua. Javier struck out four while allowing two hits and a walk. The 25-year-old took another successful step forward in his young career in 2022, going 11-9 with a 2.54 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 33.2% strikeout rate in 148 2/3 innings pitched. The Astros signed Javier to a five-year, $64 million contract extension this off-season, so it is clear that they expect him to play a key part in their rotation. Javier could prove to be a top fantasy pitching option if he can maintain his high strikeout rate while also taking on another innings jump.

    Mar 14 · Source via Astros Cristian Javier

  • Michael Brantley Back At Camp

    Houston Astros outfielder Michael Brantley (personal, shoulder) is back with the team in spring training on Monday. Brantley was away from the team due to personal reasons, but he has yet to make his Grapefruit League debut while recovering from surgery he had on his right labrum last August. The Astros aren't ruling out Opening Day, but the 35-year-old will need to ramp up his baseball activities quickly in camp if he's to have any shot at being ready for the 2023 regular season opener. When he's healthy, he's expected to hit in the two-hole for the Astros while playing regularly between left field and designated hitter. Brantley makes a ton of contact and can provide a high batting average, but he doesn't do much else for fantasy managers.

    Mar 13 · Source via Astros Michael Brantley

  • Lance McCullers Jr. To Throw Again Monday

    Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (forearm) will throw for a second time on Monday in the batting cages. It is McCullers' second throwing session in three days as he works to build his way back up after suffering a right forearm strain last month. The 29-year-old right-hander will open the 2023 season on the injured list, but he could make his season debut before the end of April, barring any setbacks along the way. His fantasy stock has fallen because of his injury, but McCullers is still worth a late-round flier in mixed leagues. Injuries have been an issue for him, and he appeared in just eight games in 2022 with a similar forearm injury that he initially suffered in the 2021 playoffs.

    Mar 13 · Source via Astros Lance McCullers Jr.

  • Forrest Whitley Sent To Minor-League Camp

    The Houston Astros sent right-hander Forrest Whitley to minor-league camp on Sunday. Now ranked as the team's No. 21 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, Whitley's prospect status has faded in recent years due to injuries, struggles in the minors and a suspension. The 25-year-old starter went 0-2 with a 6.53 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 45 strikeouts in 40 innings over 13 outings (11 starts) at three minor-league levels in 2022 while returning from Tommy John surgery. Control has been a big issue for him, but he'll have a good shot to make his major-league debut in 2023 if he stays healthy. He's still young and the upside is there, but those in mixed redraft leagues can ignore him for now.

    Mar 12 · Source via Astros Forrest Whitley

  • Lance McCullers Jr. Throws On Saturday

    Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (forearm) threw 30 pitches off flat ground on Saturday for the first time since a bullpen session on Feb. 14. McCullers is dealing with a small muscle strain in his right forearm and will open the 2023 campaign on the injured list. The 29-year-old will now begin to build his arm back up, and if he doesn't suffer another setback, he could make his debut in the Astros' rotation around the end of April. Injuries continue to impede McCullers, but he has the stuff to be very useful for fantasy managers when he's healthy. He's worth a late-round flier in mixed leagues if you have room to stash him on the injured list for most of the first month of the season.

    Mar 12 · Source via Astros Lance McCullers Jr.

  • Yordan Alvarez Hits Again Sunday

    Houston Astros outfielder/designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (hand) hit soft toss again on Sunday and felt good. Alvarez resumed swinging on Saturday and is expected to be ready for Opening Day, barring any setbacks with his sore left hand. It's been a little concerning for Alvarez, considering he dealt with soreness in both of his hands last year, too. It remains to be seen when he'll get into a Grapefruit League game, but for now, fantasy managers should still consider him in the first round of drafts as one of the best all-around hitters in the game.

    Mar 12 · Source via Astros Yordan Alvarez

  • Yordan Alvarez Plans To Play Opening Day

    Houston Astros designated hitter/outfielderYordan Alvarez(hand) said Saturday he still plans to be ready for Opening Day. Alvarez started swinging a bat on Friday and took fly balls on Saturday to start to ramp up for the beginning of the season. After suffering from inflammation in his hands last season, Alvarez dealt with continued soreness in his left hand and was delayed to start the spring. If healthy, he is one of the premier hitters in the game and a top-10 fantasy pick. Alvarez hit .306/.406/.613 last season at the age of 25.

    Mar 11 · Source via Astros Yordan Alvarez

  • Michael Brantley May Not Be Ready For Opening Day

    Houston Astros outfielder/designated hitter Michael Brantley (shoulder, personal), who had shoulder surgery last August, may not be ready for the start of the 2023 regular season, according to general manager Dana Brown. Brantley has been away from the team in recent days while dealing with a personal matter. "It's going to be really close, to be there Opening Day or shortly thereafter, a week after, tops," Brown said. "We don't know where that is. I'm hoping than no later than April 10 with him." The 35-year-old left-handed contact hitter missed the second half of 2022 and the entire postseason as well. His fantasy stock continues to fall as a player that really only contributes in batting average.

    Mar 10 · Source via Astros Michael Brantley

  • Yordan Alvarez Begins Swinging In Cages

    Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker said that outfielder/designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (hand) began swinging a bat in the batting cages on Friday at spring training. Alvarez suffered from inflammation in both of his hands last year and hadn't swung a bat to this point in camp because of more soreness in his left hand. But general manager Dana Brown said that Alvarez is pain-free now, so he'll begin ramping up in preparation for Opening Day at the end of this month. It's unclear when the 25-year-old left-handed hitter will play in Grapefruit League games, but it's great news that he's swinging once again. If Alvarez is ready to go to open the regular season, he should be considered a top-10 fantasy asset in upcoming drafts.

    Mar 10 · Source via Astros Yordan Alvarez

  • Astros Hoping To Lock Up Framber Valdez

    Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown said he's giving contract talks "48 hours" in the team's attempt to lock up star left-hander Framber Valdez to a long-term contract extension at spring training. Valdez isn't scheduled to become a free agent until after the 2025 seasons, so the Astros still have time if they can't get something done in the next few days at camp. The 29-year-old southpaw tossed a career-high 201 1/3 innings in the regular season last year and went 17-6 with a 2.82 ERA (3.06 FIP), 1.16 WHIP and 23.5 percent strikeout rate in 31 starts to make the All-Star team for the first time in his career. Fantasy managers shouldn't consider him an ace, but he's a solid second starter heading into his sixth MLB season.

    Mar 8 · Source via Astros Framber Valdez

  • Astros Working On Extension For Kyle Tucker

    Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown said he's giving contract talks "48 hours" in their attempt to lock up star outfielder Kyle Tucker to a long-term deal. "We're communicating. It looks like we're further away with Tucker, but we'll see," Brown said. Some sources suggest Tucker is looking for a longer deal. He's slated to become a free agent after the 2025 season. The 26-year-old slugger has quickly become a top-10 fantasy asset in one of the best lineups in baseball. He made the All-Star team for the first time in 2022 by hitting .257/.330/.478 with an .808 OPS, career-high-tying 30 home runs, a career-high 107 RBI, 71 runs scored and career-high 25 stolen bases in 609 plate appearances over 150 games.

    Mar 8 · Source via Astros Kyle Tucker

  • Lance McCullers Jr. Still Has Not Resumed Throwing

    Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (forearm) still isn't throwing in spring training, according to manager Dusty Baker. McCullers suffered a right forearm strain three weeks ago during a bullpen session and has yet to resume throwing, and he's already been ruled out for Opening Day. Now fantasy managers want to know just how long McCullers will be out, but we don't know just yet. But the 29-year-old has plenty of injury history and is known as a slow healer, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him miss around the first month of the 2023 season, if not more. He dealt with a similar arm injury in 2022, so the Astros are going to be extremely cautious. It's causing McCullers' fantasy stock to fall considerably.

    Mar 8 · Source via Astros Lance McCullers Jr.

  • Yordan Alvarez Hopes To Start Swinging Next Week

    Houston Astros outfielder/designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (hand) said that he hopes to start swinging a bat next week at spring training. General manager Dana Brown recently said that he was hoping Alvarez would be swinging by this weekend, so it appears the 25-year-old left-handed slugger is getting close. He's been held back in camp due to lingering left hand soreness. Alvarez dealt with soreness in both of his hands in 2022, so it's a bit concerning for fantasy managers with Opening Day quickly approaching. If he suffers a setback once he resumes swinging, there's a pretty good chance he won't be ready for the start of the season. When healthy, Alvarez is one of the best all-around hitters in the game and is a first-round target in fantasy drafts.

    Mar 8 · Source via Astros Yordan Alvarez

  • Astros Facing Gaps In Extension Talks With Kyle Tucker, Framber Valdez

    The Astros have spent the past few weeks attempting to work out extensions with a number of key players. Outfielder Kyle Tucker and starting pitcher Framber Valdez are among those with whom the club has been in contact, though the New York Post’s Jon Heyman now casts some doubt on the chances of either player signing this…

    Mar 7 · MLB Trade Rumors Astros Kyle Tucker Framber Valdez

  • Hunter Brown Struggles With Command

    Houston Astros starting pitcher prospect Hunter Brown struggled in his second start of the spring on Monday. The teams top prospect got through the first inning with just a single allowed, but opened the second frame with three walks and was yanked for reliever Ty Buttrey. Buttrey would in turn allow all three inherited runners to score and that left Brown with a line of one hit, three runs, three walks and two strikeouts over one inning. The 24-year-old also struggled with his command by allowing two free passes in his previous outing. Despite his rough start to spring, Brown excelled in seven games (two starts) for the Astros in 2022 with a 0.89 ERA with 22 strikeouts and seven walks over 20 1/3 innings. Brown remains one of the top pitching prospects in the game, but the Astros strong rotation options may make it hard for Brown to break camp with a permanent spot right away. Brown should already be rostered in dynasty leagues and managers in redraft leagues should keep an eye on his status entering the season. If he earns a spot in the rotation, Brown will be worth rostering.

    Mar 6 · Source via Astros Hunter Brown prospects

  • Yordan Alvarez Could Swing By The Weekend

    Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown said on the team's radio broadcast on Sunday that outfielder/designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (hand) will take some swings "maybe by next weekend." Soreness in Alvarez's left hand, which is also something he dealt with last year, has prevented him from swinging the bat in spring training to this point. The Astros remain optimistic that the 25-year-old left-handed slugger will be ready for Opening Day, but if he has any setbacks once he resumes swinging, his fantasy managers can probably kiss Opening Day goodbye. When he's healthy, Alvarez is an easy top-10 fantasy asset in one of the best lineups in baseball.

    Mar 6 · Source via Astros Yordan Alvarez

  • Michael Brantley To Hit Second In Houston's Lineup

    Houston Astros outfielderMichael Brantley(shoulder, personal) will hit second in the lineup, according to manager Dusty Baker. The 35-year-old underwent an arthroscopic labral repair on his right shoulder last August and should be ready for Opening Day. The Astros brought Brantley back on a one-year, $12 million deal. Brantley made just 277 plate appearances before suffering a shoulder injury in late June. During that span, the Washington native slashed .288/.370/.416 with a .785 OPS and five home runs. Brantley is less of a defensive stud apropos to his bat but spends considerable time as the team's designated hitter. Once Brantley returns, the Astros expect his bat to make an immediate contribution.

    Mar 5 · Source via Astros Michael Brantley

  • Lance McCullers Jr. Not Playing Catch Yet

    Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (forearm) has yet to resume playing catch at spring training, according to manager Dusty Baker. McCullers won't be ready to go for Opening Day after a recent MRI exam showed a small muscle strain in his right forearm. It makes the 29-year-old right-hander a risky fantasy selection, but he could still be healthy for the majority of the 2022 season if he doesn't suffer any setbacks with his forearm moving forward. With Justin Verlander now in New York, McCullers' injury opens up a rotation spot to begin the year for young prospect Hunter Brown, who is worth looking into in deep mixed and AL-only leagues early on. McCullers continues to be an injury risk in fantasy, but when healthy, he has the ability to make a big difference on your pitching staff.

    Mar 5 · Source via Astros Lance McCullers Jr.

  • Yordan Alvarez Still Not Swinging

    Houston Astros outfielder/designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (hand) still isn't swinging a bat at spring training, according to manager Dusty Baker. General manager Dana Brown said on Tuesday that Alvarez "should definitely be back for Opening Day," but the longer he goes without swinging, the greater the chance that he might need an injured list stint to open the 2023 season. The 25-year-old left-handed slugger is dealing with renewed soreness in his left hand after also dealing with the issue in 2022. Fantasy managers shouldn't drop Alvarez on their draft boards just yet, but it's becoming a bit concerning. As long as he'll be ready to go when the regular season begins at the end of March, Alvarez should be considered a top-10 fantasy pick in the first round of drafts.

    Mar 5 · Source via Astros Yordan Alvarez
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