With Jeremy Peña unavailable for at least the next two weeks, it feels like any infield logjam resolution is on hold for now. But Peña will be back at some point, so the situation isn’t going away. It will become a discussion point again. Until then, the Astros are trying something out to see if they can create some roster flexibility: playing Isaac Paredes at second base.
Will this attempt at second base with Paredes ultimately work out? Personally, I am doubtful, as I think the lack of lateral quickness will keep him from being a viable option at the position. It’ll be an interesting experiment, no doubt, but this feels a bit like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.
Zach Cole gets another look high in the lineup, this time as the leadoff hitter. Christian Walker is at first base, hitting third. Joey Loperfido is hitting cleanup. Jason Alexander gets the start on the mound.
Oh, in other news, the Astros have brought back 2022 World Series champion Christian Vázquez on a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training. If everything proceeds well, then it feels probable he will become the backup catcher behind Yainer Díaz.
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Feature photo courtesy of Pixel Pete
Here’s a link to the live webcam video feed with radio audio
https://www.mlb.com/astros/video/spring-training-hou-mia-194637?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share
Not a tv broadcast, but you can at least watch the game