Angels vs. Astros: A New Season Begins
HOUSTON – The 2026 Major League Baseball season kicks off with an exciting matchup between the Los Angeles Angels and the Houston Astros. Last September, it was the Angels who dashed the Astros’ playoff hopes for the first time in eight seasons, rallying to defeat Houston in a crucial late-season game. The Astros, aiming to return to postseason contention after missing out in 2023, will unveil a retooled lineup against an Angels team looking to climb out of the American League West basement.
Star Power on Display
This series features a captivating clash of baseball legends. Mike Trout, the Angels’ superstar, will be back in center field, while the Astros will showcase Jose Altuve and the returning Carlos Correa, marking his first Opening Day appearance since 2021. The presence of these future Hall of Famers adds significant excitement to this early-season contest.
Astros Manager Joe Espada’s Outlook
“I thought we had a really good camp,” Astros manager Joe Espada stated after Spring Training. “We accomplished a lot of things we wanted to accomplish. There’s a few injuries, but for the most part we are in a really good spot, mentally and physically. We are ready to take the field and excited about 2026.”
Game Details & How to Watch
When: First pitch is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. CT / 1:10 p.m. PT at Daikin Park.
Angels Broadcast: Televised on FanDuel Sports Network West and aired on KLAA-AM 830 (English) and the app in Spanish. Also available on Angels.TV.
Astros Broadcast: Televised by Space City Home Network and aired on KTRH 740 AM (English) and TUDN 102.9 FM (Spanish). Out-of-market viewers can stream the game live or on demand on MLB.TV (subject to blackouts and restrictions). A full list of available games can be found here.
Pitching Matchup
Angels: Right-hander José Soriano (10-11, 4.26 ERA) makes his first career Opening Day start. Soriano boasts a formidable 100-mph sinker and a diverse arsenal of pitches. He has a stellar career record against Houston, with a 1.04 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings.
Astros: Right-hander Hunter Brown (12-9, 2.43 ERA) also takes the mound for his first Opening Day start. Brown finished third in the American League Cy Young Award voting last season, striking out a career-high 206 batters in 185 1/3 innings.
Starting Lineups
Angels: Mike Trout returns to center field, with Oswald Peraza and Adam Frazier sharing time at second base. Jeimer Candelario provides corner infield depth, and Bryce Teodosio adds outfield flexibility. Trout will also share designated hitter duties with Jorge Soler and Josh Lowe.
Astros: Shortstop Jeremy Peña is on the Opening Day roster after recovering from a fractured finger, but will start on the bench as the Astros ease him back into action. Carlos Correa will be in the lineup for his first Opening Day with the Astros since 2021.
Bullpen Outlook
Angels: The Angels lack a defined closer, with Robert Stephenson recovering from an elbow issue and Kirby Yates on the injured list. Veterans Jordan Romano, Drew Pomeranz, and Brent Suter were signed to bolster the bullpen, alongside holdovers Sam Bachman, Chase Silseth, and Ryan Zeferjahn. Prospect Walbert Urena also made the club as a long reliever.
Astros: All-Star closer Josh Hader will begin the season on the injured list with biceps tendinitis. Bryan King is expected to handle the eighth inning, with Bryan Abreu as the closer in Hader’s absence. Enyel De Los Santos and Roddery Muñoz are potential seventh-inning options.
Injury Report
Angels: Ben Joyce is on the injured list following shoulder surgery. Grayson Rodriguez and Alek Manoah are also starting the season on the IL. Vaughn Grissom is recovering from a hand injury.
Astros: Josh Hader is on the injured list with biceps tendinitis. Jeremy Peña is returning from a fractured finger and will be eased back into the lineup.
Who’s Hot & Who’s Not
Angels: Brandon Adell, Matt O’Hoppe, Zach Neto, Jorge Soler, and Jeimer Candelario impressed during Spring Training. Mike Trout is running well and feeling healthy.
Astros: Jon Loperfido led the Astros in Spring Training hits. Jose Correa also had a strong camp. While some regulars had quieter springs, the Astros expect them to perform at their usual level.
Historical Context
The Angels and Astros last met on Opening Day on April 7, 2022, with Houston winning 3-1. This is the first time the two teams have met for Opening Day in Houston.
