Walker went 1-for-4 with a run scored in Thursday's game against the Mets. Walker dealt with an oblique issue for most of spring training, but he ultimately was able to return for Opening Day. He was slotted into the cleanup spot and delivered a one-out single in the third inning to continue a key rally for the Astros. Assuming health, Walker should be a threat for 30 home runs while putting up strong counting stats.
Smith went 1-for-3 with a single during Thursday's 3-1 win over the Mets. The 22-year-old Smith earned a spot on the Astros' Opening Day roster after a strong spring and started in right field Thursday. Batting seventh in his MLB debut, he wasted no time registering the first hit of his big-league career, delivering the first pitch of his first at-bat through the right side of the infield during the second inning. The 2024 first-round pick made it to the majors with just 32 minor-league games under his belt, but he's now getting a chance as Houston's primary right fielder.
Valdez (1-0) picked up the win Thursday against the Mets, striking out four and giving up four hits and two walks across seven scoreless frames. Valdez got off to a rocky start by allowing one hit and one walk in the first frame, but he managed to escape unscathed and didn't face much resistance over the following six innings. The Astros' shutout was broken in the ninth inning when Josh Hader gave up a sacrifice fly to Francisco Lindor, but the southpaw reliever managed to punch out Juan Soto for the save to give Valdez the Opening Day victory. It's a strong start to the 2025 season for Valdez after posting career bests in 2024 in ERA (2.91) and WHIP (1.11) across 176.1 regular-season frames. He's tentatively slated to face off against the Giants at home next week.
Hader earned the save Thursday after giving up one run on two hits and one walk in the ninth inning to close out a 3-1 win against the Mets. He struck out two. Entering the ninth inning up three runs, Hader found himself in immediate trouble after giving up back-to-back singles before allowing a walk to load up the bases. He steadied himself by punching out Hayden Senger, and after giving up a sacrifice fly to Francisco Lindor, Hader managed to close things out by striking out Juan Soto. It took Hader 35 pitches to come away with the Opening Day save, which will affect his availability out of the bullpen Friday and Saturday.
The Astros placed France on the 60-day injured list Thursday due to his recovery from right shoulder surgery, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. It's a procedural move that frees up a spot on the 40-man roster. France is not expected back until after the All-Star break.
The Astros placed Whitley on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a left knee bone bruise, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. Whitley suffered the injury during an early-March Grapefruit League outing. He has continued throwing, but there's no indication as to when he might be ready to begin a rehab assignment.
The Astros placed Ort on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a left oblique strain, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. Ort injured his oblique early on in spring training and has progressed slowly. He did begin throwing off a mound last week, but there's no word yet on when he might be ready for a rehab assignment.
The Astros placed Javier on the 15-day injured list Thursday due to recovery from right elbow UCL surgery, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. It's a procedural move, as Javier is not expected back until the second half of the season. He's a candidate to eventually shift to the 60-day IL if/when the Astros need to free a 40-man roster spot.