WEST PALM BEACH, Fla — Nothing signals the start of a spring training schedule like a split-squad. The Houston Astros will open Grapefruit League play with one on Saturday morning, when one team will host the Washington Nationals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches and another will travel to Port St. Lucie to face the New York Mets.

As the MLB season quickly approaches, the teams and their players are in Arizona and Florida, perfecting their game as they prepare for the first pitch of the regular season in the Cactus League and the Grapefruit League.

After the Houston Astros held a defensive session practicing cut-offs and relay throws on a back field at their spring training complex Friday morning, Jose Altuve walked to the dugout with the position group he has occupied early in camp.

The Astros have more competition for roster spots this spring than in any season in the past decade. That’s not surprising news considering they have played in more postseason games (99) than any othe

The Astros open Grapefruit League play with split-squad games at Noon on Saturday, Feb. 22 Washington Nationals and on the road in Port St. Lucie against the New York Mets. The game versus the Washington Nationals will be on the Space City Home Network.

The Houston Astros' first full squad workout at spring training in West Palm Beach, Fla. is officially scheduled for Tuesday, but most of the team is already there today as the ballclub prepares for a season of change. Those changes include no Kyle Tucker, no Alex Bregman, and Jose Altuve possibly being the team’s next starting left fielder.