WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Right-hander Brad Peacock is relaxed and ready to make a push to become the Astros' fifth starter.
Born and raised in Wellington, Fla., just a few miles west of The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, Peacock is enjoying the proximity to the Astros' new Spring Training location.
"It's been awesome, I get to sleep in my own bed every night," said Peacock, who will be the Astros' starting pitcher on Saturday in the Grapefruit League opener in Lakeland, Fla., against Detroit. "Lot of family and friends live close that will be able to watch me play, guys that haven't seen me play yet in pro ball. It's going to be fun."
It's been enjoyable and perhaps a bit odd at the same time.
"It just feels like it's not Spring Training," Peacock said. "It's home. It's awesome. I get to hang out with my dogs every day, my wife. It's really cool," added Peacock, who said he had a nice group out to watch his first live BP. "Dad, couple of friends, my wife came out. It was cool."
Selected in the 41^st round of the 2006 Draft by the Nationals out of Palm Beach Central High School, Peacock looks forward to Saturday as perhaps a springboard to making the club.
"It's cool," he said of getting the initial start, "get the first one out of the way early. I worked hard all offseason and hopefully it will show in the game."
Four of Peacock's five Major League seasons have been with the Astros after coming up with the Nats in 2011. He is 11-17 with a career 4.57 ERA in 46 starts, all but two of those with Houston.
He's out of options with the Astros but hopes to remain with the team in 2017.
"I want to stay here and help this team out," he said. "It seems like a fun team to play for and I can't wait. I've got to perform well this spring and hopefully stay here. I've got a bunch of friends here and would love to make this team."