Astros have 3 eyeing rebound '16 seasons
Castro, Feldman and Fister looking to make impact
HOUSTON -- The Astros will hit the field at Osceola County Stadium next week for the start of their final Spring Training in Kissimmee, Fla., with much anticipation. The team is coming off its first playoff berth in 10 years and was six outs away from eliminating the Royals in the American League Division Series.
Over the next few days, we'll provide a categorical preview of the 2016 team as it prepares for Spring Training, including the top prospects to watch as well as the projected lineup, rotation and bullpen. The series begins today with a look at players on the rebound.
C Jason Castro: Castro has evolved into a top-notch defensive catcher, but he's yet to find consistency on offense. After hitting .276 with 18 homers and 56 RBIs in 2013, he batted .211 (.201 at home) with 11 homers and 31 RBIs last year. He'll need a good offensive year as he approaches free agency.
RHP Scott Feldman: The veteran missed the final month of the 2015 season with a sprained right shoulder, but he has recovered. When he was healthy, Feldman pitched well. He went 5-5 with a 3.90 ERA in 2015, but he was limited to 18 starts because of disabled-list stints for his right knee and then his shoulder.
RHP Doug Fister: Fister signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Astros in January and is looking to rebound from a season in which he battled an elbow flexor tendon injury. He spent the previous two seasons with the Nationals, going 5-7 with a 4.19 ERA in only 25 games last year (15 starts).