The Houston Astros are embarking on a new season with a series of notable changes to their roster as they approach the start of Spring Training. Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman have moved on, leading to speculation about Jose Altuve's new role in left field, a position he may occupy to boost an underwhelming offense. While Altuve's defensive skills at second base have diminished, his potential in the outfield could significantly enhance the team's offensive output. The Astros have brought in former Gold Glove winner Brendan Rodgers to fill Altuve's shoes at second base, creating an intriguing dynamic. Although Mauricio Dubon is expected to start at second, manager Joe Espada is considering keeping Dubon in a utility role. Rodgers must prove his worth during spring training to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster, which could lead to an upgraded defense and a more robust offense for the Astros.

Brendan Rodgers, once the starting second baseman for the Colorado Rockies, has found a new opportunity with the Houston Astros after entering free agency. The Astros, looking to adapt their roster, have been exploring a potential position change for franchise player José Altuve, which could open the door for Rodgers to compete for a spot at second base.

Rodgers, who has battled injuries and inconsistent performance in recent years, is determined to prove his value. His strong defensive skills, including a Gold Glove award in 2022, are attractive to the Astros. The competition at second base is intensifying, with versatile options like Mauricio Dubón also in the mix. If Altuve successfully transitions to the outfield, it could elevate Rodgers' value significantly for the upcoming season.

Brendan Rodgers, a former Gold Glove second baseman, has signed a minor league deal with the Houston Astros after spending six seasons with the Colorado Rockies. Following his non-tender by Colorado, Rodgers expressed surprise but seized the opportunity to join the Astros, particularly intrigued by the potential of competing for a position as Jose Altuve transitions to left field.

While Altuve's move is not confirmed, it allows the Astros to explore flexibility in their lineup. Rodgers, with a career batting average of .266 and 45 home runs, aims to make a strong impression during spring training. Notably, playing at Minute Maid Park could benefit his power numbers, especially with its hitter-friendly dimensions.

The Houston Astros are experimenting with Jose Altuve in left field during spring training, a shift from his established position at second base. Manager Joe Espada has confirmed that Altuve has yet to take ground balls at his old spot, opting instead to focus on outfield drills. The team is cautious about Altuve's workload, scaling back his running in some drills to prevent overexertion. His potential transition to the outfield is also tied to concerns about his arm strength, which showed promise during recent cut-off drills.

Alongside Altuve, key players like Yordan Alvarez and Jeremy Peña are expected to make their Grapefruit League debuts later next week. Pitchers Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia are also progressing well as they recover from surgery, adding depth to the Astros' roster.

Opting for an AL-only league format can transform your fantasy baseball experience, making drafts feel more intense and high-stakes due to a limited player pool. However, with this excitement comes the risk of missteps that could jeopardize your season. To navigate these waters, cautious selection of hitters is crucial. This article highlights five hitters to avoid in AL-only leagues, providing insights into their potential risks and performance metrics.

Boston Red Sox's Ceddanne Rafaela, with an ADP of 173, presents significant risk due to subpar advanced metrics despite decent counting stats. Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles is also a name to steer clear of, as an influx of talent has diminished his fantasy value significantly. Trevor Story and Anthony Santander, both of the Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays respectively, pose similar concerns with their fluctuating performances. Lastly, while Jose Altuve remains a reliable second baseman, signs of decline may make him less appealing in the upcoming season.