Astros' Jason Alexander Making Case for Opening Day Roster

Veteran pitcher impresses with scoreless innings in spring training

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Houston Astros pitcher Jason Alexander, a 33-year-old right-hander, is making a strong case to be included on the team's opening day roster after a series of impressive spring training outings. Despite having a fastball that sits at only 91 mph, Alexander has found success by relying on precise pitch location and a mix of offspeed offerings, including an improved slider and more frequent use of his four-seam fastball.

Why it matters

The Astros have a crowded starting rotation battle, with several arms competing for the final spots. Alexander's performance this spring could earn him a role on the opening day roster, either as a starter or in the bullpen, as the team looks to solidify its pitching depth ahead of the new season.

The details

After a rough first outing earlier in spring training, Alexander has now thrown five straight scoreless innings, giving up just three hits. He credits his ability to "fail well" and learn from his mistakes as a key to his recent success. Alexander has been focusing on improving the location and movement of his sinker and changeup, while also incorporating his slider and four-seam fastball more frequently.

  • On February 18, 2026, Alexander participated in the Astros' spring training media day at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches.
  • On March 4, 2026, Alexander allowed four runs and recorded just two outs in his first spring training outing.
  • On March 11, 2026, Alexander threw three scoreless innings in the Astros' 5-4 win over the Miami Marlins.

The players

Jason Alexander

A 33-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Houston Astros who is competing for a spot on the opening day roster.

Joe Espada

The manager of the Houston Astros.

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What they’re saying

“It's one of the harder things to do, because I try to be so particular with where my pitches need to be. It's really just focusing on making sure the changeup is reading as a strike. Making the hitters want to say yes and then kind of diving under the barrel. I do a lot of long toss and 90-foot catch to really find the release point there and the last couple days have been really good catch play so I know it's coming along perfectly.”

— Jason Alexander, Pitcher (Houston Chronicle)

“He continues to get better every time he goes out there. What jumps out to me immediately was the five ground-ball outs. Sinker was down, changeup was down, inducing ground balls.”

— Joe Espada, Manager (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The Astros will continue to evaluate Alexander's performance throughout the remainder of spring training as they finalize their opening day roster.

The takeaway

Jason Alexander's strong spring training outings have put him in contention for a spot on the Astros' opening day roster, either as a starter or in the bullpen. His ability to locate his pitches and induce ground balls has impressed the team's coaching staff, and he could provide valuable rotation depth if injuries strike the Astros' staff during the season.