Already a Hall of Fame second baseman, Jose Altuve will start in left field for the Houston Astros on Friday as they sort out their defensive alignment at spring training.

The Astros have two significant spring training position battles that will determine the future of Jose Altuve, Ben Gamel, and more.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla — Nothing signals the start of a spring training schedule like split-squad games. The Houston Astros will open Grapefruit League play on Saturday morning, with one team hosting the Washington Nationals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches and another traveling to Port St. Lucie to face the New York Mets.