Astros Fall to Nationals in Spring Training Opener

Several young players make their case for Opening Day roster spots

Feb. 21, 2026 at 11:08pm

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The Houston Astros opened their spring training schedule with a 2-1 loss to the Washington Nationals on Saturday afternoon in West Palm Beach. While no veterans were in action, the Astros lineup was filled with players fighting to make the Opening Day roster, making the first five innings of the game somewhat interesting for fans.

Why it matters

Spring training games provide an early look at the Astros' roster battles, with several young players vying for spots on the Opening Day lineup. Strong performances in these exhibition games can help players make their case to the coaching staff.

The details

Outfielder Zach Cole showed patience at the plate, working two walks and stealing three bases, though he was also thrown out trying to advance. Infielder Brice Matthews made a nice play at second base and didn't swing at any pitches outside the strike zone. Catcher César Salazar had two hits and threw out a runner trying to steal. Pitchers Colton Gordon and Peter Lambert had solid outings, while Miguel Ullola struggled with his control.

  • The Astros opened their spring training schedule on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Zach Cole

An outfielder fighting for a spot on the Astros' Opening Day roster, Cole showed patience at the plate and aggression on the basepaths.

Brice Matthews

An infielder prospect, Matthews made a nice defensive play and demonstrated plate discipline in his three at-bats.

César Salazar

A catcher competing for the backup job, Salazar had two hits and threw out a runner trying to steal.

Colton Gordon

A pitching prospect, Gordon had a 1-2-3 first inning against the Nationals' regulars.

Peter Lambert

A 28-year-old right-hander, Lambert worked around a couple of hits to put up a scoreless inning in his return to the U.S. after pitching in Japan last season.

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What they’re saying

“Zach Cole has talked about wanting to be more patient at the plate, and he took that to another level on Saturday.”

— Adam Spolane, Author

What’s next

The Astros will continue their spring training schedule with additional exhibition games as they evaluate their roster and prepare for the upcoming regular season.

The takeaway

The Astros' spring training opener provided an early look at some of the team's young talent as they compete for roster spots. Strong performances from players like Zach Cole, Brice Matthews, and Colton Gordon give the coaching staff more to evaluate as they finalize the Opening Day roster.