Astros News & Notes: Imai, Javier, McCullers, More

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Tatsuya Imai #45 of the Houston Astros looks on prior to a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on February 22, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Tatsuya Imai said a small adjustment has helped him find more velocity this spring:

The Astros' Tatsuya Imai explained a small change he made that helped him find more velocity (fastball hit 98.5 mph) in another impressive spring start https://t.co/I7yap0zkYR via @houstonchron
— Matt Young (@Chron_MattYoung) March 11, 2026

SP Cristian Javier will be away from the team for a few days due to a personal matter:

Pitcher Cristian Javier, expected to be part of starting rotation, will be out of spring training for a few days because of a personal matter. https://t.co/Bc97Ep6KiB
— Chronicle Astros (@ChronAstros) March 11, 2026

Brian McTaggart of MLB.com identifies 5 players he thinks have a good shot to make the Opening Day roster

5 players who have a strong case to make Houston's Opening Day roster https://t.co/3vlQQ9dJhO
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 11, 2026

Lance McCullers Jr. on his outing yesterday:

Good stuff from Lance McCullers Jr. breaking down his outing and where he stands with Opening Day a little more than two weeks away pic.twitter.com/1DUAMzDDCe
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 10, 2026