The Houston Astros let two of their starting pitchers walk in free agency this winter. Justin Verlander, at 42 years old and coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, always seemed to be a likely departure.

Jose Altuve will make his first Grapefruit League start in left field Friday, when the Houston Astros play the Cardinals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, manager Joe Espada said. It will mark the next step for Altuve,

After spending his career as a second baseman, Altuve is going to be moving to left field for the Astros this spring.

There has been a lot of things for fans of the Houston Astros to follow as spring training has gotten underway. It has been great seeing the immediate impact top prospect Cam Smith has had during Grapefruit League games.

Jose Altuve will make his left field debut on Friday when the Astros take on the St. Louis Cardinals CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, Joe Espada said Wednesday.