Astros Finalize Opening Day Roster The Houston Astros have officially finalized their Opening Day roster, with several key decisions impacting the team’s depth and future plans. Shortstop Jeremy Pena will avoid a season-opening trip to the injured list after recovering from a fractured finger sustained during an exhibition game. Catcher César Salazar was designated for assignment (DFA), clearing a 40-man roster spot for Christian Vázquez, who was called up from Triple-A Sugar Land. Right-handed pitcher Christian Roa was selected from the minor leagues, while left-handed pitcher Brandon Walter was placed on the 60-day injured list (IL) to make room. Outfielder Zach Cole was optioned to Triple-A, and prospect Brice Matthews made the roster. Several players will begin the season on the injured list, including outfielder Zach Dezenzo, who is sidelined with a right elbow sprain. Right-handed pitcher Ronel Blanco, recovering from Tommy John surgery, and left-handed pitcher Josh Hader, dealing with biceps tendinitis, will start the year on the 15-day IL. Right-handed pitcher Enyel De Los Santos (right knee strain), left-handed pitcher Bennett Sousa (oblique strain), right-handed pitcher Nate Pearson (recovering from elbow surgery), and right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski (recovering from Tommy John surgery) are also on the 15-day IL. Blanco and Wesneski could be added to the 60-day IL if the Astros need to open a 40-man roster spot. Pena’s status was uncertain after his injury, but he resumed hitting earlier this week and was cleared to join the team. Vázquez’s call-up was already expected, as was Salazar’s DFA. While the DFA doesn’t guarantee a trade, Salazar could still be moved to another club within five days if a team is willing to add him to its 40-man roster.#christian_vazquez #houston_astros #christian_roa #jeremy_pena #cesar_salazar
Astros Announce Opening Day Roster The Houston Astros officially finalized their 26-player Opening Day roster on March 25, 2026, completing the final adjustments to their 40-man roster. The team made several roster moves, including adding two players to the 40-man list, placing multiple athletes on injured lists, and making other personnel decisions to shape the team for the upcoming season. Among the additions to the 40-man roster were right-handed pitcher Christian Roa and catcher Christian Vázquez. Several players were placed on the injured list, including outfielder Zach Dezenzo, who was sidelined due to a right elbow sprain and placed on the 10-day injured list. A group of pitchers, including Ronel Blanco, Enyel De Los Santos, Josh Hader, Nate Pearson, Bennett Sousa, and Hayden Wesneski, were moved to the 15-day injured list for recovery from various arm and leg injuries. Left-handed pitcher Brandon Walter, recovering from left elbow surgery, was placed on the 60-day injured list. Catcher César Salazar was designated for assignment, while outfielder Zach Cole was optioned to Triple A Sugar Land. The Astros’ 40-man roster remains full following these moves. Several players made their debut on an Opening Day roster, including right-handed pitchers Mike Burrows, AJ Blubaugh, Tatsuya Imai, and Roddery Muñoz, as well as outfielder Joey Loperfido, infielder/outfielder Brice Matthews, and right-handed pitcher Christian Roa. Right-handed pitcher Kai-Wei Teng and Ryan Weiss also joined the list of first-time Opening Day roster members. Veteran second baseman Jose Altuve led the team in experience, securing his 14th career Opening Day roster spot. He is also poised to make his 14th Opening Day start, which would rank third in franchise history, behind Craig Biggio (19) and Jeff Bagwell (15).#houston_astros #christian_roa #christian_vazquez #zach_dezenzo #ronel_blanco
