'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAMDAwMDAwQEBAQFBQUFBQcHBgYHBwsICQgJCAsRCwwLCwwLEQ8SDw4PEg8bFRMTFRsfGhkaHyYiIiYwLTA+PlQBAwMDAwMDBAQEBAUFBQUFBwcGBgcHCwgJCAkICxELDAsLDAsRDxIPDg8SDxsVExMVGx8aGRofJiIiJjAtMD4+VP/AABEIAAYACgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xABfAAEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgcQAAMAAQUBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAEBQYSIQciAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEBhEAAgICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDEQAEFCFB/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwCXpwviu86aWy20trQcTpI0p1ZOzMihSvoJ6/o5llPh3Cno7T1G5KhYlVNB4MYwEmxM7KS5NrlXxdd1YtGpp6HXmf/Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Houston Astros' quest to defend their World Series title from 2022 begins this month. The club will begin Spring Training on February 25 against the New York Mets, but their first split-squad action will be on February 26 against the Washington Nationals.
Trending
"Spring Training games at our next door neighbor, @Ballpark_PB, begin this week! Our independent living and assisted living residents are excited to get out to watch the Astros, Nationals, Yankees, Mets, Red Sox and more! Here's the full schedule: https://bit.ly/3YA0Xk6." - MorseLife Health System
Split-squad games have always been a crucial step for teams to evaluate some of their top prospects and determine which veterans belong on the MLB roster. Clubs will be able to get multiple looks for each player as teams can invite up to 60 players to training camps.
The Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals will undoubtedly enter the 2023 season with different expectations. The Astros are coming off a World Series title, while the Nationals have entered a full-scale rebuild after sending Juan Soto to the San Diego Padres last season.
The Astros will certainly be the betting favorites to win the February 26 matchup against the Nationals. However, given the fact that the game will feature split squads, it could be closer than expected.
Game details
Matchup: Houston Astros vs. Washington Nationals.
Date & Time: Saturday, February 26, 1:05 pm ET.
Location: The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach, Florida.
What to look out for from the Houston Astros
Heading into the 2023 season, the biggest question mark surrounding the Houston Astros is their pitching rotation. While Framber Valdez is expected to take over the No. 1 spot from Justin Verlander, the remaining order of the rotation is less clear.
Cristian Javier, Luis Garcia, and Lance McCullers Jr. have all performed at the MLB level. However, they have never been tasked with the responsibility of carrying a pitching staff.
Whichever pitcher starts the game on February 26 will be under the microscope from both the coaching staff and the fans.
"Verlander is gone. McCullers Jr. is hurt. The Astros pitching is being tested, so who needs to step up? “I think everybody senses in the organization Hunter Brown has a chance to be big-time for us." “We’re hoping Whitley takes a jump this year." - Brian McTaggart
What to watch out for from the Washington Nationals
The matchup with the Houston Astros will be an optimal opportunity for Washington's young roster to face the defending World Series champions.
The Nationals will likely finish near the bottom of the league this season. However, the match against the Astros will allow them to measure themselves against one of the top teams in baseball.
"@Nationals manager Dave Martinez shares his excitement to see the development of young talent like CJ Abrams, MacKenzie Gore and Keibert Ruiz at #SpringTraining. #HighHeat | @alannarizzo" - MLB Network
One of the most important players for the Nationals this season will be CJ Abrams, who was one of the major pieces from the Juan Soto trade. The talented shortstop will be given plenty of opportunities to establish himself as a star in the MLB.
If he is in the lineup for the game on February 26, he will be one of the key players to watch.
