Astros players active in community during lockout

Pitchers and catchers were scheduled to report to spring training Tuesday. With the ongoing lockout, Major League Baseball players await the decision of the commissioner’s office and the MLBPA.

The Houston Astros, coming off a World Series, appearance might have some good and bad aspects of a delayed start. Injured pitchers have more time to recover, but the promising prospects that need a full spring training await their fate.

In the mean time, players have been seen around Houston, enjoying the offseason but also giving back to the community.

Astros players including free agent Carlos Correa have been active in the community this offseason.

On Feb. 7, Jose Altuve kept a promise to a Belong Kitchen worker, after meeting her the day before. Belong Kitchen is a business that provides dignified, meaningful employment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as stated on its website.

The employee was Ellie, who approached Altuve in the parking lot for an autograph. Altuve, not having a pen at the time, promised Ellie that he would return the next day during her shift, as he set his watch alarm as a reminder.

Ellie told Altuve if he does comeback that he needs to bring Carlos Correa with him, and he did just that. The following day, both Altuve and Correa arrived at Belong Kitchen to meet the staff.

"“We loved having you visit Belong today and are grateful for the many ways you bless our city and its people,” Belong Kitchen posted to Instagram. “Enjoy your new hat, t-shirt and tonight’s delicious lasagna. We’ll be anxious to hear if it was a home run! Your surprise visit and commitment to Ellie truly was a grand slam!"

Martin Maldonado and his wife raised money for Puerto Rico, following a flood.

Twitter user Future Astros Host Mom posted to the application last week, looking to raise money for Puerto Ricans affected by flooding and landslides recently. She will be sending all proceeds to Martin Maldonado’s wife to help rebuild damaged homes and buildings.

Kyle Tucker hosts first event for his foundation in his hometown.

Earlier this year, Tucker announced the Kyle Tucker Foundation, which looked to raise funds for hospice care. The outfielder scheduled to host his first event recently in his hometown of Tampa, Florida.

Of other offseason notes, Alex Bregman and his wife are expecting their first child, as announced on YouTube. Bregman, Correa and Lance McCullers Jr. were all spotted at UFC 271 on Saturday, as Correa met with Our Esquina, talking about his interactions with fans at the event.