Worth noting

• The Astros announced Tuesday that Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Astros-Rangers season-opener at Minute Maid Park.

• Porter says he is "getting close" to being able to name a starting pitcher for the March 31 season-opener against the Rangers at Minute Maid Park. It will be between right-handers Bud Norris and Lucas Harrell, though it is worth pointing out that Harrell is following Norris in the rotation during Grapefruit League play.

• Porter said Humber looked "great" in his simulated game Monday against Minor Leaguers and hinted he was in good standing for a rotation spot.

"You don't want stand here and say anything's going to happen for sure, but I put it like this: He came in competing for a job, and he hasn't done anything to hurt his chances of being one of the guys in the rotation," Porter said. "He's done everything we've asked him to do, and he's done well every time we put him out there."

• Astros pitchers Xavier Cedeno (Puerto Rico) and Jose Veras (Dominican Republic) are both expected to return to camp Thursday after representing their respective teams in the World Baseball Classic. Puerto Rico and the Dominican meet for the title Tuesday night.