Astros Release Terrible Lineup for Spring Training Opener Against Nationals and Keep Hiding Amid Scandal
By Michael Luciano
Everyone expected Saturday to be the day that the Houston Astros' best players, including Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, and Carlos Correa, would finally face the music on the field of play after their sign-stealing scandal became public knowledge this offseason.
None of the heavy hitters will suit up for the Astros in this game against the Nationals, however. Myles Straw, Jack Mayfield, and Abraham Toro are the only players in that lineup with MLB experience, and even that is extremely limited.
I know it’s only day one, but interesting how the Astros aren’t starting a single MLB starter against the Nationals today ? @BarstoolHubbs @Jomboy_ @TalkinJake @CespedesBBQ pic.twitter.com/siBLyMLLss
— Brandon Abrams (@Babrams21) February 22, 2020
Really subtle here, Dusty Baker. You know eventually those guys are going to have to play at some point, right?
While the Astros probably didn't want to have this opener turn into a beanball festival, the fact that not even ONE Astros player connected to that scandal in a meaningful way is in their first lineup of 2020 is pretty embarrassing.
That Astros lineup is real? lol
— Stace Force (@StaceGots) February 22, 2020
The Astros know what they did, and they know exactly how the rest of the league is going to react when the likes of Altuve and Bregman get back in the lineup. The sooner the Astros put the stars in the lineup, the better it will be for all parties.
If Houston can't handle the heat of a primetime Spring Training opener, how do they plan to handle the regular season?