BLOG: Here’s what’s happening at Houston Astros Spring Training

HOUSTON – Follow along the journey of KPRC 2 sports anchor Randy McIlvoy as provides updates on the Houston Astros Spring Training in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Day 1

Astros Spring Training has begun and new manager Joe Espada is following up on his promise that communication with the players will be critical as he transitions into his new role.

So, on Tuesday he called both Josh Hader and Ryan Pressly into a group meeting to deliver his decision on the closer role.

“The meeting went well,” Espada told us before Wednesday’s first workout.

“I told them that on nights that both are available that Hader will come in for the 9th inning.”

Hader, who was signed for 5-years, 95 Million, was now the official closer for the Astros. Pressly will now be a primary set up man in the 7th or 8th innings sharing those duties with Bryan Abreau.

“They called me and told me they were making a run at Hader and then the next say he was signed " Pressly revealed at his locker on Thursday.

“We already had a great bullpen and Josh makes us even better. I’ve talked with him and we have hit it off. In fact, our sons like a lot of the same things. He will be a great teammate,” added Pressly.

“I am still the same pitcher as I have always been whether it’s in the 4th inning or 8th or 9th. It’s about getting outs. I just want to win.”

Day 2

Hello from Astros Spring Training here in sunny West Palm Beach!

The sounds of baseball are back as the pop of baseballs sizzing into catcher’s mitts echo throughout the facility each morning on the grounds of CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches.

Yes, the crack of the bats are clearly heard here as well but these early few days of camp are the pitchers starting their buildup to the new season.

The big names are here like Verlander, Valdez, Javier and many more that are locks to play major roles in the rotation in 2024.

Then there are fast rising Astros prospects like Katy Independent School District product Spencer Arrighetti that are here.

The 2018 Cinco Ranch graduate played college ball at Louisiana Lafayette and in 2021 the righthander was drafted by the Astros in the 6th round.

How cool has this been for him?

You know that answer.

“This process has been so unbelievable for me,” said Arrighetti at his locker inside the Astros Big League Clubhouse in West Palm Beach.

“Those of us growing up in Houston, we always went to games at Minute Maid Park in our baseball journey. Now, after playing in Sugar Land close to family last season to be standing here at Spring Training is just so surreal. It’s hard to put into words.”

Arrighetti , who is 24, caught the attention of Astros brass after a 9-7 year that included stints in AA Corpus and an extended stay at AAA Sugar Land with the Space Cowboys.

Inside the clubhouse Arrighetti’s locker happens to be right next to Justin Verlander.

“Growing up Verlander was who I looked up too. To have him to talk with and ask questions will be incredible for me during camp.”

Arrighetti’s connection to his hometown team is special but he has now pushed that aside. Competing here at camp and honing his craft is his only priority.

He understands that a good showing this spring could open his door to the big leagues this season with the Astros.