Astros Morning Snippets: Opening Day is only one week away

The latest news around the Astros on March 21st, including an update about Opening Day, which is only one week away!

Opening Day in Tampa is only a week away

Although the A’s and Mariners have an early start to their 2019 season in Japan, the rest of Major League Baseball has to wait a bit longer. For the Astros, their wait ends in one week. Yes, in one week, the Astros will open their 2019 season against the Rays in Tampa. Justin Verlander is the Opening Day starter, who’ll start opposite of the 2019 AL Cy Young winner Blake Snell. Then we will hopefully see a Game 2 matchup between Gerrit Cole and former Astro Charlie Morton.

Breaking down the contract extensions for Alex Bregman and Ryan Pressly

Craig Edwards and Rian Watt, both of FanGraphs, broke down the contract extension news of Alex Bregman and Ryan Pressly on Wednesday. While there is still some concern about the long-term status of their current core, the Astros have taken the necessary steps to extend players, starting last year with Jose Altuve‘s latest contract.

Astros already trailing in the division

So, the Mariners are 2-0 while the A’s are 0-2. In terms of the standings, the Astros are already a full game behind Seattle for the AL West lead. This is where I insert false outrage.

Forrest Whitley to start Monday’s exhibition game

So, we get to see top pitching prospect start a game at Minute Maid Park much earlier than expected. No, Whitley won’t be on the active roster to start the season, but the right-hander will start the exhibition game against the Pirates this upcoming Monday according to Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle.