Astros return for 2026 Opening Day
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Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña after hitting a two-run homer in Daikin Park this week. Photo: Houston Astros via Getty Images
The Astros are back in action Thursday.
Why it matters: Houston is aiming to bounce back in 2026 after missing the postseason last year for the first time since 2016.
Driving the news: The Astros face the Los Angeles Angels at 3:10pm Thursday in Daikin Park.
- Right-hander Hunter Brown, who went 12-9 in 2025 with a 2.43 ERA, will take the mound for Houston.
Flashback: The Astros were marred by player injuries during the 2025 season and finished second in the American League West, despite the mid-season return of infielder Carlos Correa and promising rookies padding the lineup.
Catch up quick: The team is healthier going into 2026 but key players will start on the injured list.
- Outfielder Zach Dezenzo is out after an elbow injury flared up while he was playing for Italy in the World Baseball Classic, and closing pitcher Josh Hader is out with a bicep injury.
- Three starting pitchers and two more relief pitchers are also on the injured list to start the season, per ESPN.
Yes, but: Shortstop Jeremy Peña, who is "day-to-day" after recovering from a finger injury earlier this month, homered during the Astros' final preseason exhibition Tuesday against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys.
The latest: Houston finalized its 40-man roster Wednesday, adding right-handed pitcher Christian Roa and veteran catcher Christian Vázquez.
Between the lines: All eyes are on general manager Dana Brown and skipper Joe Espada.
- Team owner Jim Crane said earlier this year he hasn't discussed extending their contracts past this season and is instead focused on how the team performs in 2026.
What they're saying: "Joe and I have had the conversation that we both want to retire here [in Houston]," Brown told the Houston Chronicle in December.
- "That's our goal," Brown said. "And the way we're going to be able to do that is to put a good team together, win, get deep into the postseason and then our contracts will take care of itself."
The bottom line: Correa ended last year saying, "Next year will be one to remember."
- The next 162 games will be where the rubber meets the road.