Grapefruit League opener to be 7 innings
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Astros’ Grapefruit League opener against the Miami Marlins on Sunday will be a seven-inning game, manager Dusty Baker said, taking advantage of a 2021 spring training rule that allows clubs to shorten games.
According to the league’s operations manual, spring training games through March 13 can be shortened to either five- or seveninning games upon agreement by both managers. Games after March 13 can only be condensed to seven-inning games if both skippers agree.
Games through March 13 may also feature innings that end prior to three outs being recorded, but only if a pitcher has thrown at least 20 pitches. The three-batter minimum for relief pitchers will not be enforced until March 14, either.
On Friday, Astros starter Brandon Bielak said he plans to pitch two innings in the opener.
Baker said Saturday that regulars Jose Altuve, Kyle Tucker and Myles Straw will start the game along with Aledmys Diaz, Jason Castro and Abraham Toro. Baker expected his regulars to play three to four innings or take two at-bats — whichever came first.
Ace pitcher Greinke joins club at camp
Zack Greinke cleared COVID-19 intake procedures and joined the Astros at spring training Saturday, five days after the first full-squad workout.
Greinke played catch in the outfield with his fellow pitchers while conversing with pitching coach Brent Strom. The six-time Gold Glover finished his afternoon with fielding practice off the mound.
Greinke had the team’s blessing to report after the full squad. This weekend was the major league mandated final day for any players to report — a deadline Greinke now observes. Last season, Greinke said that if he had known about this deadline earlier, he would have utilized it for the first 15 seasons of his career.
Greinke kept in shape during his absence by throwing bullpen sessions and live batting practices at an Orlando, Fla.-based college. The former Cy Young winner is entering the final season of his contract with the Astros.
Infielder Garcia claimed off waivers
The Astros claimed infielder Robel Garcia off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels.
Garcia was added to the team’s 40-man roster, which remains full. To clear a spot, the Astros placed Justin Verlander on the 60-day injured list.
Garcia, 27, profiles as a super utilityman who can provide depth at the upper minor leagues. Garcia has been on waivers four times since July. Coincidentally, the Angels designated him for assignment after acquiring former Astros utilityman Jack Mayfield from the Atlanta
Braves.
Garcia has appeared in 31 major league games, all with the Chicago Cubs in 2019. He slashed .208/.275/.500 in 80 plate appearances while starting games at second base and left field.