The Astros, again heavily favored to win the American League West, will head to Spring Training with a loaded roster, few holes to fill and six weeks of preparation for what they hope will be another championship season.
Since baseball is a game of stats, facts and tidbits, it seems appropriate to compile a list of answers to frequently asked questions that come up this time every year. Enjoy Spring Training, fans -- and don't forget the sunscreen.
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• Spring Training:Schedule | Gear | Info | Roster
Pitchers and catchers report date
Feb. 13
First pitchers and catchers workout
Feb. 14
Full squad report date
Feb. 17
First full-squad workout
Feb. 18
New faces to know
OF Michael Brantley, LHP Wade Miley, C Robinson Chirinos, IF Aledmys Díaz
Top prospects to know
RHP Forrest Whitley, RHP Josh James, OF Kyle Tucker, RHP J.B. Bukauskas, OF Yordan Alvarez, RHP Corbin Martin
• Astros Top 30 Prospects
Where is the facility?
The Astros play at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches complex in West Palm Beach, a facility they share with the Washington Nationals. This will be the third season at the facility for both teams.
Can fans attend workouts?
The Astros welcome fans to watch their workouts, which are open to the public with no charge beginning Feb. 14.
First game
The Astros begin Grapefruit League play on Saturday, Feb. 23 vs. the Nationals at FITTEAM Ballpark at 6:35 p.m. ET. Washington will be the home team. The Astros' official home opener will be on Sunday, Feb. 24 vs. the Braves at 1:05 p.m. ET. The Astros will play with a split squad on this date as they also will visit the New York Mets for a 1:10 pm. ET game in Port St. Lucie.
First TV game
The Astros' first televised spring game will be Feb. 24 when they host the Braves at 1:05 p.m. ET.
One other notable game
While most of the spring schedule involves the other four teams -- Nationals, Marlins, Cardinals and Mets -- who train in the same region as the Astros, a couple of games will feature teams that will have to travel a little further for Grapefruit League action. One of those teams is the Yankees, who will visit FITTEAM Ballpark on Wednesday, March 20 for an afternoon tilt with the Astros beginning at 1:05 p.m. ET.
Last game in Florida
The final game in Florida will take place between the Nationals and Astros on Sunday, March 24 at 1:05 p.m. ET. The Astros will be the home team for that contest.
Any additional exhibitions before the regular season?
The Astros will host the Pirates for two games at Minute Maid Park on Monday, March 25 (7:10 CT) and Tuesday, March 26 (1:10 CT).
Opening Day
The Astros will head back to Florida on March 27, in advance of the regular season opener at Tropicana Field against the Rays on March 28. The game, the first of a four-game set with the Rays, has a special Opening Day start time of 3 p.m. CT.