Astros set Grapefruit League starting rotation, Fister first

The Houston Astros have taken the first few steps to playing live baseball in 2016. The team's manager A.J. Hinch has set his first six starters for the Grapefruit League, per the Houston Chronicle's Jose de Jesus Ortiz.

New acquisition Doug Fister will be the first one on the bump for the Astros on Thursday as the team opens play in Clearwater with the Philadelphia Phillies.  Houston sign the veteran to a 1-year, $7 million dollar contract.

Following Fister will be long-time Astros Wandy Rodriguez in the home opener against the St. Louis Cardinals. Collin McHugh will start Saturday against the New York Mets.

Scott Feldman will make his first start since Sept. 1 when he was sidelined with a shoulder sprain on Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays in a split-squad game.

Brad Peacock will make the start in the other half of the split-squad game on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton. Peacock hasn't made a start since April 14 of last season.

Mike Fiers will face the New York Yankees in Tampa on Monday. Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers aren't scheduled to pitch until the second week of games.

Again the rotation as set by A.J. Hinch for the first week of Spring Training

• Doug Fister vs. Phillies
• Wandy Rodriguez vs. Cardinals
• Collin McHugh vs. Mets
• Scott Feldman vs. Blue Jays
• Brad Peacock vs. Pirates
• Mike Fiers vs. Yankees