Even though Spring Training has just begun, Joe Espada, the new manager of the Houston Astros, already has a lot on his plate. A number of his best pitchers are already sidelined by injuries, Josh Hader recently signed a large contract extension, and this is just the beginning of camp.
At the team’s Florida training facility on Saturday morning, Espada gave media an update on some of his top players.
To begin with, Espada is impressed with Hader and the rapport he’s already developing 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 stated. Since Yainer is a young catcher, it’s crucial. We require that dynamic, that back and forth.”
The health of star Justin Verlander, who is behind schedule due to a shoulder problem and might not be ready for Opening Day, was another question posed by reporters.
“Today, we’ll see how he feels. He’s probably going to come out here and play catch, after which we’ll see what happens.”
Finally, Espada talked about J.P. France, his second injured starting pitcher. Despite still having a shoulder ailment, France has started throwing again.
Espada said that he is still throwing on level ground and has not yet advanced to throwing off a mound.
Over the next month, Astros supporters should keep an eye on both pitchers’ conditions. Luckily, they still have almost six weeks to prepare before Opening Day on March 28 against the New York Yankees.
