HOUSTON -- After going through a workout with the Astros on Wednesday, outfielder Josh Reddick said he was good to go for Game 1 today in the American League Division Series presented by Doosan. Reddick missed the final week of the regular season with a sore back.
"It feels great," he said. "I had no issues, nothing grabbed, nothing hurt. I was able to let loose a little bit on some swings and get some balls in the outfield, track the ball a little bit. We've been doing workouts in here non-stop so it feels great."
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Reddick was hoping to play against the Red Sox last weekend at Fenway Park, but he came home in the middle of the series to get treatment on his back. That treatment consisted of breathing exercises and strengthening of his core.
"Any time you're not out there with the boys, it's never a good, fun time," Reddick said. "I'm ready to go back out there."
Whether Reddick starts today remains to be seen. He's hit lefties well this season, batting .315 (29-for-92) against southpaws in the regular season. He's 3-for-14 (.214) in his career against Red Sox Game 1 starter Chris Sale with four strikeouts.
Roster will be set today
Astros manager A.J. Hinch said the team will set its playoff roster this morning by 10 a.m. CT in advance of Game 1 at 3:08 p.m.
Hinch provided some clarity on Wednesday, saying relief pitchers James Hoyt and Michael Feliz were told they were going to stay with the club, though they're not on the playoff roster. Those moves weren't a surprise. Hinch's remaining roster dilemma is the last two spots in the starting rotation.
With Justin Verlander set to pitch Game 1 and Dallas Keuchel in Game 2, Lance McCullers, Brad Peacock, Charlie Morton and Collin McHugh are candidates for the final two ALDS rotation spots. One of them will be moved to the bullpen and one will be off the roster, unless the Astros decide to carry 12 pitchers. It's likely they'll carry 11.
"I'm being very diligent with making sure we have everything covered before we finalize things, but we still haven't decided between 14 and 13 position players," Hinch said. "We haven't decided entirely on the roles of some of the starters, and I haven't had conversations with every veteran guy that's still in the clubhouse."
Roof set to be closed
The retractable roof at Minute Maid Park will be closed for Game 1 and Friday's Game 2 of the ALDS. Gates will open at 1 p.m. CT on Thursday and 11 a.m. on Friday.
During a pregame ceremony on Thursday, the Astros will honor those who aided people in need during Hurricane Harvey. Season-ticket holders will join Astros staff members who secured Minute Maid Park during the storm to present a giant U.S. flag, as well as a Texas flag on the field. Members of the Cajun Navy, escorted by an Houston Police Department motorcade, will line the warning track as a tribute to the rescue missions they performed during the storm.
Also, they will present a Houston Strong flag that will fly over Minute Maid Park for the remainder of the postseason. On Thursday, country music singer Clay Walker will perform the national anthem, and Houston business owner and philanthropist Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
On Friday, country music star Neal McCoy will perform the anthem and Houston mayor Sylvester Turner will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Mayor Turner was instrumental in bringing the Astros back to Houston following Hurricane Harvey in early September.