Houston’s lineup features many new faces, but two foundational elements remain. Altuve will be in Houston's Opening Day lineup for the 13th time in the last 14 seasons —he missed the first six weeks of 2023 due to a thumb injury—while left-hander Framber Valdez makes his fourth consecutive Opening Day start for the reigning AL West champion.

Now, call Cam Smith a major leaguer. Smith made the Houston Astros’ Opening Day roster, three league sources told The Athletic on Tuesday, completing his six-week captivation of an entire coaching staff and clubhouse.

Smith became the second-youngest Astros position player to make his MLB debut as a starter on opening day and the youngest since Rusty Staub, who was 19 in 1963.