Astros Spring Training notes for Friday

A rainy Thursday soaked the fields and lightened today’s workload for Astros hopefuls. Taking a cue from the grounds crew, Bo Porter kept his players off the soggy field. The pitchers were still able to stay on schedule by getting their work in on the side fields.

Pitchers that threw bullpen sessions today included Erik Bedard, Josh Fields, Philip Humber, Dallas Keuchel, Jordan Lyles, and Jose Veras. Pitcher’s fielding practice was scratched from the schedule a day after Hector Ambriz rolled his left ankle while covering first base. Ambriz, who was sporting a boot and a pair of crutches today, said he thinks the injury isn’t serious and he hopes to be throwing again soon.

Today was the mandatory report date for position players and the first official full-squad workout is scheduled for Saturday morning. One of the newest Astros, Chris Carter, arrived today. Carter and his teammates hit in the indoor batting cages due to the conditions. Next we get to see if the slugger acquired from Oakland can play leftfield. Everything I’ve read from people who saw him play with the A’s suggests he shouldn’t even be considered for outfield duty. Bo Porter said he will use Spring Training to find out whether or not Carter is a realistic option in left.

Jim Crane and George Postolos are scheduled to be in Kissimmee tomorrow when Bo Porter speaks to the entire team as a unit for the first time. Roger Clemens is also slated to arrive on Saturday.