With Opening Day for the Astros just a few days away, here's my best guess at the 30 players who break "Summer Camp" with the Astros.
Starting pitchers (4):
Justin Verlander, Lance McCullers, Jr., Zach Greinke, Josh James
Bullpen (11):
Roberto Osuna, Ryan Pressly, Chris Devenski, Bryan Abreu, Cy Sneed, Blake Taylor, Andre Scrubb, Framber Valdez, Forrest Whitley, Cristian Javier, Joe Biagini (IL: Brad Peacock, Austin Pruitt, Jose Urquidy)
On Sunday, Astros manager Dusty Baker said the starting pitchers for the opening series against the Mariners were set. It'll be Verlander, McCullers, Jr., Greinke and James. He added the team had not made a decision on the fifth starter yet as they wanted to see guys keep working to that end. With no update on Urquidy and minor injuries for both Austin Pruitt and Brad Peacock, Baker will likely hand the ball to someone else in the series opener against the Dodgers on Tuesday, July 28.
Here's some of Baker's thought about filling out the starting staff and the consideration being given to Cristian Javier, who has thrown well in camp and was spectacular with Corpus Christi (AA) last season
Catchers (3):
Martin Maldonado, Dustin Garneau, Garrett Stubbs
It would surprise me if the team kept only two light-hitting catchers, both of whom are right-handed. Stubbs should be ready to prove whether or not he's ready to say goodbye to his minor league days. His ability to put a glove on and play outfield if needed helps, too.
Infield (7):
Yuli Gurriel, Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman, Aledmys Diaz, Abraham Toro, Jack Mayfield
This should be the best infield in baseball, both offensively and defensively.
Outfield (5):
George Springer, Michael Brantley, Josh Reddick, Kyle Tucker, Myles Straw (IL: Yordan Alvarez)
It's almost impossible to discuss this outfield and not recognize that Springer, Brantley and Reddick are all in the final year of their respective contracts. The idea that the time is now, even in the 60-game season, should be pushing each of these players. With Alvarez being absent for the entire summer camp, expect Tucker to get a lot of at-bats as the DH, with Straw likely getting additional days in centerfield, allowing for DH at-bats for the regular outfielders, too.