HOUSTON — The Houston Astros continue to fine-tune their lineup ahead of the first game of the regular season.
In a post to X on Sunday, the Astros said manager Joe Espada told three players that they would not be on the opening day roster. One of those players, first baseman Jon Singleton, was a regular in the lineup last season. Aside from Singleton, Houston told right-handed pitcher Logan VanWey and catcher Joe Hudson that they, too, wouldn’t be on the team to start the season.
Singleton played in 119 games with the Astros in 2024 with 355 at-bats. He hit .234 with 13 home runs and 42 RBIs. For his career, Singleton is a .198 hitter with 29 home runs and 104 RBIs. This offseason, Houston added slugger Christian Walker to be the regular first baseman.
While those were the three players who won’t be on the big league club for the first regular season game, four pitchers were told by Espada that they would be. That includes right-handed pitchers Luis Contreras and Rafael Montero and lefties Steven Okert and Bryan King.
Earlier today, Astros manager Joe Espada informed RHP Luis Contreras, LHP Bryan King, RHP Rafael Montero and LHP Steven Okert that they will make the Astros Opening Day roster…Espada also informed C Joe Hudson, 1B Jon Singleton and RHP Logan VanWey that they will not make the…
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 23, 2025
Opening day is Thursday against the Mets at Daikin Park.