Houston Astros intensify their outfield competition as Cam Smith gets his shot in center field. With Jake Myers' starting role no longer a lock and Cam Smith's standout defensive skills on display, is a changing of the guard underway? Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey debate the future of the Astros' outfield, examine Joey Loperfito's roster chances, and discuss how Joe Espada and Dana Brown might juggle positional versatility for Opening Day.

The hosts break down Astros pitching battles—highlighting Tatsuya Imai’s upcoming debut and the impact of Hunter Brown—and reveal early 26-man roster predictions. Hear insights on Jeremy Peña, Carlos Correa, Christian Walker, bullpen uncertainties, and how matchups and analytics could shape lineup decisions. Could injuries and spring surprises propel the Astros toward another playoff run, or will emerging talent disrupt expectations? Get the latest on Houston’s Spring Training storylines and what’s next for the franchise.

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The Houston Astros are already facing major lineup and rotation questions early in camp. On today’s episode of Locked On Astros, we break down how often Yordan Alvarez will actually play left field, whether Jose Altuve could see time out there again, and what Isaac Paredes’ role looks like — including whether he could miss the Opening Day lineup.

We also dive into the Astros’ six-man rotation plans and debate whether the final spot comes down to Lance McCullers Jr. vs. Ryan Weiss, or if a dark horse like AJ Blubaugh or Peter Lambert could factor in. Plus, how roster rules and injuries could impact decisions involving Nate Pearson and Rule 5 pick Roddery Muñoz.

Are the Astros prioritizing flexibility over certainty in 2026? We discuss what Joe Espada’s comments really mean and how last season’s lessons are shaping this year’s approach.

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If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
Locked On Astros is your daily Houston Astros podcast, hosted by Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey. As part of the Locked On Podcast Network, we bring you the latest Astros news, in-depth game analysis, player updates, and exclusive insights — every single weekday.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, stay connected with everything happening in Astros baseball. Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, never to miss an episode.
🎧 Subscribe today and make Locked On Astros part of your daily routine — perfect for your commute, workout, or coffee break.
📺 We’re growing fast on YouTube — help us reach 20,000 subscribers by subscribing now and joining the best Houston Astros community online!

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