Framber Valdez takes the mound to put the Astros on track for yet another playoff run
This may not be the most successful season in recent Astros History, but it should be the most intriguing.
Questions abound:
- Can the Astros replace the production of their lost two superstars, Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman?
- Will new third baseman Isaac Paredes flash the the 2023 version of a rising star, or the more disappointing 2024 version of his self?
- Can the new first baseman, Christian Walker stay healthy and avoid the ravages of time we’ve seen overcome our other recent first basemen?
- Can Jose Altuve play left field? Is father time catching up with him as well?
- Can starters Hunter Brown, Spencer Arrighetti, and Ronel Blanco sustain the surprising success they had in 2024?
- Who will settle in as the starting second baseman to replace Altuve?
- After a hot Spring, will Zach Dezenzo find playing time?
- Can the mostly no-name bullpen produce consistent results?
- And, of course, the monster bull elephant in the room, is the decision to start Cam Smith with almost no minor league experience the start of a new generation of championship baseball or the destruction of a promising young talent?
The answers to these and other question begin today starting 3:10 CT.
Lineups and media access information below:
