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.

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada emphasizes the need to reduce Yordan Alvarez's playing time in the outfield, prioritizing his health over defensive appearances. Last season, Alvarez logged 53 games and 421 defensive innings in left field, marking the second-highest totals of his career. Espada believes that these numbers are excessive, especially given the challenges presented by injuries to other outfielders, such as Kyle Tucker. This season, the focus will be on utilizing Alvarez primarily as a designated hitter. With a .954 OPS as a left fielder and a .962 mark as a DH last year, Alvarez's offensive prowess remains unchallenged regardless of his position.

Espada's strategy includes limiting the innings of veterans like Alvarez and Jose Altuve in early training games to assess younger talent. Alvarez has recovered from a right knee injury that raised concerns last season, and he anticipates no restrictions during spring training.

Mauricio Dubón is set to play a more prominent role at second base for the Houston Astros as the team considers moving Jose Altuve to left field this season. Dubón, a versatile defender, has already showcased his skills at second base, where he excelled during Altuve's absence last year due to injury. Astros' management is exploring this shift to keep both Altuve and Yordan Alvarez healthier while enhancing offensive production in the outfield.

Dubón's defensive prowess has been recognized, having won the AL utility Gold Glove, and he aims to seize any opportunity to contribute regularly. He expressed excitement about the potential move and confidence in Altuve’s ability to adapt to left field, given Altuve's athleticism and previous experience in the outfield during practice.

Ben Gamel has made his much-anticipated return to Houston Astros camp, fully recovered from the left fibula fracture that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2024 season. After a brief rehabilitation period, Gamel is eager to compete for a spot in an outfield that has yet to solidify its lineup. With a one-year contract in hand, valued at $1 million if he makes the roster, he has a chance to secure a significant role alongside established stars like Yordan Alvarez.

Last season, Gamel demonstrated his potential, posting a .259 batting average with a .377 on-base percentage in 69 plate appearances. His presence adds depth to a right-hand-heavy outfield, and General Manager Dana Brown has expressed confidence in Gamel’s ability to handle right-handed pitching. The Astros are set to evaluate Gamel's performance closely in the upcoming spring games.

Alex Bregman has officially signed a free-agent deal with the Boston Red Sox, confirming his departure from the Houston Astros after nine successful seasons. This shift now allows the Astros to pivot their focus to their restructured infield, featuring Isaac Paredes at third base and Christian Walker at first. General manager Dana Brown acknowledges the Astros' roster is now 'pretty set', but discussions around potential pitching additions continue.

With Bregman's exit, a leadership void emerges in the Astros' clubhouse, which had relied heavily on his presence. Astros players, including José Altuve, have previously expressed Bregman's critical role in shaping the team's dynamics. As Houston evaluates who will step up in this role, both Altuve and Yordan Alvarez are seen as candidates likely to take on more vocal leadership responsibilities, especially with their defensive alignment under consideration.