Astros Spring Training Updates: Pena, Hader, Matthews, more…

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WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 28: Jeremy Peña #3 of the Houston Astros warms up prior to a spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on February 28, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images

As we hit the midpoint of Spring Training, here are some new developments and comments from Joe Espada on the current state of the Astros:

SS Jeremy Pena is fielding grounders, but not throwing yet:

Jeremy Peña taking grounders, no throws pic.twitter.com/XjSGpIRLnE

— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) March 8, 2026

RHP Jason Alexander has been optioned to minor league camp.

Espada on Alexander getting optioned:

"We got some long stretches of games, but we’re going to need a six-man rotation. Jason fits right in. The job he did last year…ncredible job. He picked us up for a few months and we know how effective he is. When he got on the mound, he…

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 8, 2026

CL Josh Hader will throw a bullpen soon.

Josh Hader will throw a bullpen Tuesday or Wednesday https://t.co/pDknHk1fcm

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 8, 2026

2B Brice Matthews starting in CF today, will move to 2B later in the game.

Brice Matthews is starting in CF today and will move to 2B later in the game.

Espada: "That's something he could potentially do during a Major League game – start at second, go to center. He give you that flexibility. He’s been working hard at both positions, and I’m going to…

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 8, 2026

RHP Sam Carlson and RHP Alimber Santa have been reassigned to minor league camp.

UT Cavan Biggio will get live BP tomorrow

RHP Enyel De Los Santos will have on more bullpen session prior to a BP session Friday.

Rotation next 3 days: Javier, McCullers Jr., Imai.

Some morning Astros updates:

– Jason Alexander was optioned to Minor League camp

– Sam Carlson, Alimber Santa reassigned

– Biggio will take live BP tomorrow

– Javier starts Monday, McCullers Tuesday, Imai Wednesday

– De Los Santos one more 'pen before live BP Friday

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 8, 2026

Each of the last two seasons, a non-roster pitcher has won a spot on the Astros Opening Day roster in the bullpen and spent the year with the team. Tayler Scott in 2024, Steven Okert in 2025.

Could Peter Lambert be this year’s version?

Peter Lambert was invited to the Astros' spring training on a minor-league contract but his 'power stuff' has 'really stood out' so far in camp. https://t.co/yz0GgbpaoP

— Chronicle Astros (@ChronAstros) March 8, 2026

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