6 positive Astros updates (and 2 not-so-good) have Houston vibing a certain way
The stakes are high
05 March 2024
Josh Hader, Jose Urquidy, and Cristian Javier are looking good in spring training. Composite Getty Image.
As the Houston Astros prepare for the start of the season against Gerrit Cole and the New York Yankees, several encouraging updates were revealed over the weekend.
A slimmer Cristian Javier looked good in his spring debut, and Jose Urquidy had another impressive performance coming off the news that he may have been tipping his pitches last season.
And the Astros new weapon out of the bullpen (Josh Hader) looked great in his first action with the club.
Justin Verlander will be on the IL to start the season unfortunately, but it looks like he won't miss much time. They have just run out of days and don't want to rush the future Hall of Famer.
Justin Verlander's $35 million option for the 2025 season is contingent on him throwing 140 innings in 2024. The Mets are on the hook for $17.5 million of it, should it kick in. https://t.co/vKYpLO0ugn
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) March 5, 2024
The Athletic's Chandler Rome believes the earliest he can return is April 11 against the Kansas City Royals. Which means we'll likely see Framber Valdez on Opening Day pitching against Cole.
Speaking of Framber, his first start of the spring didn't go very well over the weekend. But there's no reason to be too concerned this early. He's still working with PitchCom and getting used to calling some of his own pitches.
Finally, Astros prospect Forrest Whitley should begin throwing again soon after dealing with a finger injury that has kept him sideline this spring. Will the former first round pick finally be able to contribute to the club in 2024?
Be sure to watch the video above as we discuss Whitley, the rest of the Astros pitching staff, and much more!
Catch Stone Cold 'Stros (an Astros podcast) with Charlie Pallilo, Brandon Strange, and Josh Jordan every Monday on SportsMapHouston's YouTube channel. We'll continue to drop more episodes throughout the week.
Houston Texans add critical piece to protect Stroud, stabilize offensive line
Mar 19, 2025, 3:14 pm
According to multiple reports, the Houston Texans are signing offensive tackle Cam Robinson to a 1-year contract.
Free-agent OT Cam Robinson is signing with the Houston Texans, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2025
KPRC2's Aaron Wilson is reporting that the 1-year deal has a max value of $14.5 million.
With Laremy Tunsil now a member of the Commanders, clearly the Texans wanted to add some more talent at the tackle position.
Rookie right tackle Blake Fisher showed some promise last season, but he also had his share of struggles, as one would expect from a first-year player.
This move provides the Texans with flexibility if they choose to play Tytus Howard at guard again, while also giving GM Nick Caserio additional options in the draft.
Many believed the Texans would be locked in on drafting an offensive lineman with their first pick, which they may still do. But now, they can focus on taking the best player available, which could very well be a receiver at No. 25 overall.
Plus, this addition will make the Texans less predictable on draft day when rival teams are trying to predict who Caserio will draft based on Houston's needs.
Robinson started all 17 games last season, splitting time between the Jaguars and the Vikings. The Vikings traded for Robinson after their starting tackle Christian Darrisaw was lost for the season to injury. With Robinson in the last year of his deal and the Jags' season setting up to be another failure, Jacksonville decided to trade their left tackle away. Robinson (age 29) was drafted by the Jaguars in the 2nd round out of Alabama in 2017.
Make no mistake about it, this is a solid pickup by the Texans!
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