Seven Astros make Opening Day debut

HOUSTON -- Seven Astros appeared on their first Opening Day roster on Sunday night: outfielders Brandon Barnes, Justin Maxwell and Chris Carter, infielder Matt Dominguez, catcher Carlos Corporan, left-handed pitcher Xavier Cedeno and right-handed pitcher Brad Peacock.

The chance to be introduced before the home crowd was a huge honor for Corporan, a Minor League lifer who had one career in at-bat in the Major Leagues before the Astros plucked him off waivers two years ago. He's the team's backup catcher to Jason Castro.

"It's a dream come true," he said. "I've been working 11 years for this opportunity, man. That's what all ballplayers dream about, and I'm really happy I have the opportunity the Astros gave me. Everything I have is earned. Everything. I've been working really hard, so it's something that I kind of feel complete in my life and I have to continue to stay for a long time. That's the hard part, to stay here for a long time in the big leagues."

Barnes was surprised to see his name in the starting lineup.

"My thought was I'm completely blessed," he said. "There are really no other words for it, but I'm very thankful."