Houston Astros starting pitcher Nivaldo Rodriguez (68) faces Washington Nationals Andrew Stevenson (17) during the first inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.
Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less3of24Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) tags Washington Nationals Carter Kieboom (8) out at second as he turned the double play on Drew Mendoza during the first inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less4of24Houston Astros players cover up with towel in the dugout to ward off the sun during the second inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less5of24Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado (15) bats during the second inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less6of24Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) smiles after tagging Washington Nationals Ryan Zimmerman (11) out at second after Yadiel Hernandez ground into a force out during the first inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less7of24Houston Astros pitchers in the bullpen during the first inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less8of24The Houston Astros dugout during the first inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less9of24Houston Astros starting pitcher Nivaldo Rodriguez (68) during the first inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less10of24Houston Astros starting pitcher Nivaldo Rodriguez (68) during the first inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less11of24Houston Astros starting pitcher Nivaldo Rodriguez (68) catches Washington Nationals Andrew Stevenson’s ground ball during the first inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less12of24Houston Astros starting pitcher Nivaldo Rodriguez (68) prepares to face Washington Nationals Andrew Stevenson (17) during the first inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less13of24Houston Astros starting pitcher Nivaldo Rodriguez (68) prepares to face Washington Nationals Andrew Stevenson (17) during the first inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less14of24Houston Astros Yuli Gurriel (10) lines out during the first inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less15of24Houston Astros Jose Altuve (27) runs to first base as he lined out during the first inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less16of24Houston Astros Carlos Correa (1) hits into a ground out during the first inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less17of24Houston Astros Carlos Correa (1) and Jose Altuve (27) watch Washington Nationals starting pitcher Austin Voth warm up before the start of the first inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less18of24Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker hugs Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez before the start of the first inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less19of24Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker opens his arms wide for Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez before the start of the first inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less20of24Houston Astros right fielder Steven Souza Jr. (20) before the start of the first inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less21of24Houston Astros center fielder Jake Meyers (97) warms up during the first inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less22of24Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) signals someone in the Washington Nationals dugout before the start of the first inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less23of24Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) warms up before the start of the first inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less24of24Houston Astros Yuli Gurriel (10) chats with Washington Nationals Yasmany Tomas (25) before the start of the first inning of an MLB spring training game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday, March 1, 2021.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Though they could determine his future in the organization, Steven Souza, Jr. does not stress every Grapefruit League plate appearance. The games are meaningless for so many entrenched players, but for those on the fringe of making a major league roster, they can cement — or crater — the chances.
“I’m honestly just focused on the task at hand, which is to be ready for opening day in the best possible way,” Souza said. “I don’t know that I’m carrying any more weight on every at-bat than I have in the past because that’s not going to be conducive to success. I’m just trying to take every at-bat like I do every other year and hopefully my tools and the way I play the game can shine.”
Souza, a non-roster invitee competing for the Astros’ final bench spot, smacked the Astros’ first spring training home run Monday against the Nationals. His two-run blast against Washington reliever Kyle Finnegan nearly cleared the bullpen in left field, scoring Jose Altuve for the team’s first two runs.
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Souza’s always had pop — he hit 30 home runs in 2017 — but his best chance to crack the Astros’ opening day roster may hinge on his versatility. In addition to his comfort in both outfield corners, Souza started taking ground balls at first base in camp, reintroducing himself to the infield.
Souza played first base as a minor leaguer in the Nationals’ system while also seeing time at shortstop and third base. He praised bench coach Joe Espada, who also works with the infielders, for his tutelage early in camp. Souza said he will see time at first later in Grapefruit League play.
“I’ve kind of sporadically messed around over there to stay ready because I know that I can see the way the game has moved — that people need to be more versatile,” Souza said. “I’ve thought it’s gone great. Joe has been unbelievable in helping me and getting me prepared for the game. With his help, honestly, I think I’m ready to play in a game.”
Odds and ends
Both Alex Bregman (hamstring) and Yordan Alvarez (knee surgery) "increased their workload," manager Dusty Baker said Monday. Neither man has progressed to defensive drills on the field, but Bregman continues to take batting practice with the major league team. Alvarez has not reached that step .... Recent waiver claim Robel García started his intake process Monday .... Touted Cuban outfield prospect Pedro Leon, who was delayed due to visa issues, practiced in camp for the first time Monday .... Michael Brantley is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut Tuesday against the Mets in Port St. Lucie.
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