Astros Manager Gives Injury Updates on Key Pitchers
Spring Training just started, but new Houston Astros manager Joe Espada already has a lot on his plate. Josh Hader is new to camp, Jose Altuve just signed a big contract extension and several of his top pitchers are already dealing with injuries.
On Saturday morning, Espada spoke with reporters at the team's training complex in Florida to provide updates on a few of his star players.
For starters, Espada is impressed by Hader and how he's already building a relationship with his new catcher.
"His stuff looks good, and the conversations he has with (Yainer) Diaz are also very important before he throws...kind of going through his plan and approach and how he views getting certain hitters out," Espada said. "It's important, as Yainer's a young catcher. That dynamic, that back and forth, we need to have it."
Reporters also inquired about the status of ace Justin Verlander, who's behind schedule with a shoulder issue and may not be ready for Opening Day.
"We'll see how he feels today. I think he's gonna come out here and play catch and then we'll see what the next step will be."
Lastly, Espada addressed the status of his other injured starting pitcher, J.P. France. France is also dealing with a shoulder injury but has resumed throwing.
Espada confirmed that Espada is still throwing on flat ground but hasn't progressed to throwing off of a mound yet.
Astros fans will want to monitor the status of both pitchers over the next month. Fortunately, they still have nearly six weeks to get ready before Opening Day against the New York Yankees on March 28.
