Astros News and Notes 3/16/2026
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The latest updates on the Houston Astros from Spring Training:
Cristian Javier continues to strengthen his arm and get ready for the regular season. His velocity, while still not as high as it was pre-injury, has improved from his last outing:
Manager Joe Espada liked what he saw from Javier:
Astros #1 prospect OF Kevin Alvarez made his first appearance of spring with the Astros in a Grapefruit League game. The 18-year old went 0-3 but did put a sting into this ball:
Espada was impressed with the young Alvarez:
Yordan Alvarez (Alvarez the Greater) was impressed with what he saw from Kevin Alvarez (Alvarez the Younger).
Yordan (Alvarez the Greater) also said he feels good about where his swing is currently:
Another of the Astros’ top prospects, Brice Matthews, has been getting some reps in CF as the team tries to find out how versatile he can be since he is blocked at his regular 2B position by Jose Altuve. He came into yesterday’s game and played LF, his first appearance at the position. It’s not out of the realm of possibility Matthews is a call up this season if he can also play OF, and that he could get a significant look.
Jeremy Pena is feeling better and hopes to be ready by Opening Day. though that decision is still undecided:
Spencer Arrighetti will throw a simulated game today before leaving the team for a few days for the birth of his twins:
