House of Houston
Fansided

Houston Astros Spring Training: Fighting Back To .500!

By James Zeankowski

Mar 25, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers (43) reacts after leaving the game against the Washington Nationals during a spring training game at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers (43) reacts after leaving the game against the Washington Nationals during a spring training game at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

With less than a week left before exhibition and regular season games, the Houston Astros look to finish out Grapefruit League on a strongly high note.

Fans have been waiting all spring for it to happen. Just last Friday and yesterday, the Houston Astros finally evened their Spring Training record to a 13-13 all split.

This surge is coming just at the right time. Thursday and Friday of this week will see the spacemen face the defending world champion Chicago Cubs in a two game exhibition just before the start of the regular season the following Monday.

Their first series opponents of 2017? None other than the division rival, Seattle Mariners.

I myself was fortunate enough to attend last Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Twins. The Astros coasted to an 8-4 victory, and I could not have enjoyed the experience enough.

Here are some other highlights from the past week:

1. USA Goes All the Way!

Team USA captured their very first World Baseball Classic title, beating Team Puerto Rico in a 8-0 shutout. Brian McTaggart of MLB.com tweeted out a pic of Luke Gregerson with an eagle statue signed by the team. This was following him getting the save for USA.

More from House of Houston

Taggs also reported about Alex Bregman having a great experience playing in the tournament. Despite not getting as many AB’s as the rest of the team, he was honored to be apart of things.

2. Keuchel Crowned Against King!

It was revealed by multiple sources on Friday that Dallas Keuchel will get his third consecutive opening day start. While not surprising, the southpaw will be heavily tasked against Seattle Mariners’ ace, Felix Hernandez.

When asked for comment on how he felt to get the nod, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle got the ace on record to jokingly say the following:

"“OK,” Keuchel told Hinch. “I’ll be there.”"

Next: Carlos Beltran Still Has The 'Right Stuff'

3. McHugh Hits the Skids, Musgrove Penciled In.

Kaplan from the Chronicle also reported that right-hander, Collin McHugh will likely start the 2017 season on the 10-day disabled list. While he will be making his Grapefruit League debut later this evening against the St. Louis Cardinals, it is not nearly enough reps to have him ready to be in the rotation.

In light of this development, Taggs from MLB.com tweeted out a video of him interviewing Joe Musgrove after finding out he would be making the rotation. Apparently, the flame-throwing sophomore pitcher even tried to keep it a secret from his own mother! Tisk, tisk!

Stay tuned to House of Houston for any further developments. GO HOUSTON ASTROS!!!!

Home/Houston Astros