Inbox: Valdez's return? Will Toro make roster?

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- We’re less than three weeks away from Opening Day and things have been interesting at Astros' camp, where an injury to a frontline starter (Framber Valdez) and a top prospect (Forrest Whitley) have made headlines, as well as the acquisition of starter Jake Odorizzi and the news of eight pitchers being sent to quarantine for health and safety reasons.

For a team that had all but a couple open roster spots heading into camp, some storylines are developing with several pitchers behind in their throwing because of injuries or quarantine. With all that in mind, let’s answer some of your questions from Twitter.

What is the Astros' timetable for Framber Valdez’s return? And is it possible for him to join the club before the postseason [or] is he on an innings limit of some sort?
-- @MarioMo85212356

None of that has been determined at this time. If it has, the Astros aren’t saying publicly. Manager Dusty Baker said Friday he had no update on Valdez, who sustained a fractured left ring finger fielding a ball March 2 against the Mets. The team has said for about a week now that Valdez is seeking a second opinion about his injury and the course of treatment, but nothing more is known. The Astros haven’t given a timetable.

Will the Astros be looking to sign a big bat in CF if [Myles] Straw and others don’t work out by the All-Star break? Also, is there any talk in re-signing [Josh] Reddick?
-- @Vansant83HOU

The center-field spot is Straw’s for now, but if he can’t do the job, the Astros will have to turn to another internal candidate -- Chas McCormick, Steven Souza Jr. or Jose Siri. Maybe, if they’re in the hunt in July and center field remains an issue, they could make a trade to bring in a center fielder the way they did in 2017, when they acquired Cameron Maybin at the Trade Deadline. But it’s highly likely that any player they acquire midseason would be a role player and not a “big bat.” Reddick remains a free agent, but he’s not coming back to Houston.

What do you think [Abraham] Toro’s chances are to make the Opening Day roster? He had tons of opportunity in 2020 and only hit .149. Will he be better this year?
-- @texasreb126

There’s no way to know if Toro will be better or worse, but he’s off to a nice start at the plate this spring. He disappointed last year and is in camp competing for one of the final roster spots. His main competition is infielder Robel García, who the Astros claimed off waivers last month. Toro and García are both switch-hitters. In his professional career, García has made starts at second base, third base, shortstop and left field. Toro started at first, second and third last year. There’s only room for one of them, and it’s going to come down to performance this spring. It’s probably a toss-up at this point.

Do you think [Carlos] Correa and/or [Lance] McCullers will be extended before the end of Spring Training?
-- @tomesnyder

That is impossible to say not being privy to the conversations. Correa reiterated Thursday his desire to get an extension done before the start of the season, which is less than three weeks away. That doesn’t leave much time. Both players have been vocal in their desire to remain with the Astros, but it’s going to come down to money, of course. My gut tells me they’ll sign at least one of them.

Whose stock has risen the most with their Spring Training performance?
-- @ChrisOsterman

There’s a few so far. Right-handed prospect Peter Solomon, who had Tommy John surgery in 2018, drew raves from Correa earlier this week, along with pitcher Austin Hansen. Solomon was sitting at 94-96 mph with his fastball when he threw earlier this week and appears to have continued what he started in the instructional league last year. Right-hander Carson LaRue has shown a bump in his velocity (94-95 mph) and is putting himself more on the map. As far as position players, infielder Alex De Goti has impressed enough to put himself in the mix as a potential Major League depth option, if needed, this year. The staff is still learning Garcia, claimed off waivers last month, but he’s getting some extended looks.

Will Odorizzi’s health history be something to worry about?
-- @lastros4lyfe

Even though he was on the injured list three times in last year’s shortened season, Odorizzi said upon signing with the Astros that the ailments were fluky setbacks due to the stop-and-start nature of last season. Odorizzi pitched only 13 2/3 innings with the Twins in 2020, missing time due to an intercostal strain, a chest contusion and a blister on his right middle finger. In the six seasons prior to that, he averaged 30 starts a year. In his time in the Major Leagues, he’s never had an arm or shoulder injury. With that, the injury concern about him shouldn’t be any more than any other pitcher.

Do you think Jose Siri or Pedro Leon will get some time in the bigs this year?
-- @mattkunkel31

I certainly believe Siri, signed to a non-roster deal in December, has a shot to get some playing time at some point this year, especially if there are injuries. Siri would have to be placed on the 40-man roster at some point, but that wouldn’t be a significant hurdle if he’s needed. The Astros have McCormick and Siri at the ready if Straw doesn’t work out in center field. Souza has played more corner outfield, but he could be an option in center, too. Leon, signed out of Cuba for $4 million in January, may be the center fielder of the future, but that future probably starts in 2022.

What will be the Minute Maid Park seating capacity with the state opening up 100 percent? Also, will the roof be open, or will it depend on the weather?
-- @nando022

We won’t know at what capacity Minute Maid Park will be at for the April 8 regular-season opener against the A’s until the Astros get a decision from season-ticket holders on what they are doing this year. Season-ticket holders have until Thursday to decide whether they want to keep their tickets where they are without social distancing, or they can move to a socially-distanced area. They can also pause their plans, donate their April tickets to frontline workers and come back in May. After that, the Astros will look to start selling single-game tickets with a set capacity in mind.

Nothing changes with the roof. The Astros don’t use recycled air, so fresh air is being pumped in all the time. If the weather cooperates, the roof will be open. If not, they’ll close it.