Six Astros players are appearing on an Opening Day roster for the first time in their respective careers:
DH Yordan Alvarez
RHP Brandon Bielak
RHP Luis Garcia
IF Robel García
OF Chas McCormick
RHP José Urquidy.
Per 2021 Major League rules, clubs can carry 26 players on their active MLB rosters through August 31. On September 1, the roster limit expands to 28 players.
Prior to Sept. 1, clubs can carry a 27th player for doubleheaders.
Today, the Astros also announced the five-player taxi-squad for the first road trip. The Astros open the 2021 Championship Season in Oakland tonight (9:07 p.m. CT) for the first of a four-game series.
They will then visit Anaheim for a two-game series vs. the Angels, April 5-6. The Astros Home Opener will be on Thursday, April 8 vs. the A’s at 7:10 p.m. CT.
To finalize their Opening Day roster, the Astros made several roster moves, optioning LHP Kent Emanuel, RHP Jake Odorizzi, C Garrett Stubbs and IF Abraham Toro.
Additionally, four players were officially placed on the 10-day IL, retro to March 29: RHP Josh James, RHP Austin Pruitt, RHP Andre Scrubb, LHP Framber Valdez.