Facing Mets, Astros' Christian Walker looks to stay healthy, make impact

Veteran first baseman Christian Walker was among the quartet of newcomers making their debuts with Houston on Thursday, with Walker going 1-for-4 with a run scored in the Astros' 3-1 win over the New York Mets in the opener of a three-game series.

And Walker, who signed a three-year deal as a free agent in December, hopes to keep contributing on an everyday basis -- or at least close to it.

Walker, 34, was sidelined by an oblique strain during spring training, the same injury that hampered him last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Astros exercised extreme care in getting Walker up to speed, and he said he is optimistic he can move forward without any restrictions.

"I think we're going for it," Walker said. "I plan on playing. Each day is its own thing for sure. Got to make sure the body is responding the right way and we're doing the right things, but we know this initial stretch too -- we've got some off days sprinkled in -- I think that helps the progression."

Astros manager Joe Espada offered a more cautious perspective regarding how the club plans to utilize Walker during the early stages of this season.

"He feels good, but I've got to keep an eye on that," Espada said. "We can't have him aggravate that oblique again. One of the reasons why we're carrying some of these players is because we have to make sure we ease him into the season."

Right-hander Hunter Brown (11-9, 3.49 ERA in 2024) is the scheduled starter for the Astros in the second game of the series on Friday. Brown was winless over his final six starts last season, going 0-2 with a 2.27 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 35 2/3 innings. He had a 2.31 ERA over his final 20 regular-season starts.

Brown has faced the Mets once, surrendering six runs on seven hits -- including two home runs -- and two walks with seven strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings in an 11-1 home loss on June 19, 2023.

Right-hander Tylor Megill (4-5, 4.04 ERA in 2024) has the starting assignment for the Mets. He finished 0-2 with a 4.24 ERA over four starts in spring training, recording 18 strikeouts in 17 innings. The Mets won his final six starts last season, with Megill going 2-0 with a 2.32 ERA.

Megill has not recorded a decision in two career starts against the Astros, logging 7 2/3 innings with eight strikeouts against seven walks and posting a 9.39 ERA.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza played Tyrone Taylor and rookie Luisangel Acuna in center field and at second base, respectively, on Thursday, with both expected to split time at their positions. Taylor and Jose Siri are slated to share center field; Brett Baty and Acuna will get reps at second base.

Mendoza made it clear that all four players can expect to see playing time this season.

"I think for the last 10 days of spring training I've been asking coaches, ‘Hey, Siri or Taylor?' Mendoza said. "I think it will be fluid. Siri will play a lot, (and) Taylor will play a lot. And they both understand that."

As for Acuna and Baty, Mendoza said: "I don't want to call it a straight platoon. If we feel good about Baty playing against a lefty, we'll probably do it. And the same goes with Acuna. If there's a righty where we feel he matches up well, he'll get the start. We'll play it day by day.

"They'll both get opportunities, and we'll see how it goes."

--Field Level Media