Houston Astros: 2021 Opening Day roster and lineup

As we are less than 12 hours away from the start of the 2021 season, let’s look at the Houston Astros‘ Opening Day lineup and roster. While this could be the last year Houston is one of the reining teams in MLB, this is almost like a ‘Last Dance.’ With Carlos Correa, Martin Maldonado, Yuli Gurriel, Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke headlining the Astros’ free agency pool, the dynasty window might be closing.

By now, we don’t have any more information on Correa being in Houston past 2021, but if he eventually moves on from the team, then more of Houston’s Mount Rushmore is collapsing. This could sound like an overreaction, and the team has the money to make due next offseason, but their will be changes in the Astros’ clubhouse next year. As one of the many cliche calls about a Houston related subject, this is the Apollo 26; the Astros’ Opening Day roster and lineup.

While the Astros begin their season today, here is a look at their Opening Day roster and lineup.

As the Astros hit the field against the Oakland Athletics at 9:07 p.m. tonight, Zack Greinke will be hitting the bump, and here is a look at the lineup:

Jose Altuve 2B

Michael Brantley LF (L)

Alex Bregman 3B

Kyle Tucker RF (L)

Carlos Correa SS

Yordan Alvarez DH (L)

Yuli Gurriel 1B

Myles Straw CF

Martin Maldonado C

This will start to look like a reoccurring lineup over the season, but changes will happen, as we can see the heart of the order shift and possibly see Straw leadoff. As well, there are a haul of injuries and delayed starts for this Houston team, as Jake Odorizzi, Framber Valdez, Justin Verlander, Pedro Baez, Andre Scrubb, Josh James and Austin Pruitt are all off the Opening Day roster.

As we start to see the same fun-mentality in the Astros’ clubhouse, this could be a bounce back year for the team. While looking slightly different compared to the 2019 World Series run, here is the Opening Day roster:

Starting Pitchers: Zack Greinke, Cristian Javier, Lance McCullers Jr., Jose Urquidy and Luis Garcia

Bullpen: Bryan Abreu, Brandon Bielak, Enoli Paredes, Ryan Pressly, Brooks Raley, Joe Smith, Ryne Stanek and Blake Taylor

Catchers: Martin Maldonado and Jason Castro

Infielders: Yuli Gurriel, Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa, Aledmys Diaz and Robel Garcia

Outfielders: Michael Brantley, Myles Straw, Kyle Tucker, Yordan Alvarez and Chas McCormick

The Astros also made a few last minute roster moves, as they optioned Kent Emanuel to the Corpus Christi Hooks and Garrett Stubbs, Abraham Toro and Jake Odorizzi to the Sugar Land Skeeters (extended spring training). James, Pruitt, Valdez and Scrubb are all on the 10-day disabled list, and Ralph Garza Jr., Nivaldo Rodriguez, Peter Solomon, Garrett Stubbs and Abraham Toro make up the taxi squad. The alternate training site roster was also announced.