Jhoan Duran, the Minnesota Twins' closer, recently introduced a new pitch to his repertoire: the sweeper. During a game against the Houston Astros, Duran struck out Jake Meyers with this pitch, which he had been developing over the past two years. His fastball can peak at 104 mph, and while his splinker has become popular among pitchers for generating ground balls, the sweeper adds a new dimension. This pitch moves away from right-handed hitters and can be thrown at 87 mph, similar to his curveball.

Initially, Duran faced challenges integrating the sweeper into his game, having shelved it after its first attempt last season went awry. He worked on refining it during the offseason with assistant pitching coach Luis Ramírez, focusing on grip and arm slot adjustments. Feedback from teammates and coaches has been encouraging, suggesting that the sweeper could be a valuable weapon in Duran's arsenal for the upcoming season.

The Houston Astros are currently in a phase of evaluating their outfield ahead of the opening day, with Jose Altuve taking on a new role in left field. Manager Joe Espada has expressed a preference to keep Altuve at one position this season, allowing him to adapt to the demands of left field. Altuve has shown progress, playing nine defensive innings against the Cardinals and actively engaging in outfield drills. He has successfully handled most plays but still has adjustments to make, particularly in wall awareness.

Espada acknowledged that the team is close to a decision regarding Altuve's primary position. Meanwhile, Jake Meyers continues to assert his place in center field, further complicating the outfield dynamics. The team is also evaluating top prospect Cam Smith in right field, marking potential shifts in the lineup. This evaluation process is crucial for establishing a solid outfield as the season approaches.

Zach Dezenzo's transition to the outfield is a testament to the Houston Astros' evolving roster. Faced with a lack of depth in the outfield, the Astros have allowed Dezenzo, primarily an infielder, to gain experience in left field during winter ball in Puerto Rico. His speed, surprising for his size, has been a focal point, with coaching staff emphasizing drills to enhance his comfort in tracking fly balls.

Training at an indoor facility in Ohio has been crucial for his development, with focused sessions on footwork and ball tracking. Dezenzo's performance in spring training, where he competes for a roster spot amidst an outfield mix that includes stars like José Altuve and Jake Meyers, will be pivotal. His offensive statistics from last season reveal potential, but improvements in plate discipline and swing mechanics are necessary for a successful career.

As Major League Baseball prepares for a future with technology influencing ball and strike calls, the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system is taking center stage during spring training. Starting in 2025, players will have the ability to challenge calls made by umpires, enhancing accountability and potentially improving game outcomes. Each team is allowed up to two challenges per game, and players can signal a challenge by tapping their helmets. With the system already proving effective in the minors, key Astros players like Jeremy Peña and Jake Meyers have expressed support, highlighting the need for more consistent calls.

Concerns remain among players regarding the impact of automation on the human element of the game, notably pitch framing. While some believe it could lessen the importance of catchers' skills, others argue that the challenge system could maintain the delicate balance between technology and traditional umpiring. As teams begin to strategize their approach to challenges, the upcoming season could herald a significant shift in how games are officiated in MLB.

The Houston Astros are entering spring training with a reshaped outfield following the offseason trade of Kyle Tucker, removing a significant offensive player from their lineup. Despite the loss, Astros general manager Dana Brown has expressed confidence in the current roster, stating they do not intend to make further outfield additions. Chas McCormick and Jake Meyers, both looking to rebound from less than stellar previous seasons, are projected to be key starters, particularly with McCormick aiming to replicate his 2023 success. To add depth, the Astros recently signed Ben Gamel, but the clarity in left field remains uncertain as they consider other options, including potentially using Jose Altuve there.

McCormick, who struggled last season with a notable drop in performance, is focusing on improving his plate discipline, which was a significant factor in his regression. He remains optimistic about the team's potential to exceed expectations, especially given the defensive capabilities of the outfield. Overall, the Astros must navigate the challenges presented by Tucker's departure while building a cohesive and productive outfield unit.