Houston Astros star Jose Altuve will make his spring training debut Friday -- and he'll do it in left field, manager Joe Espada told reporters Wednesday. Following the offseason trade of All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs,

Jose Altuve will make his first Grapefruit League start in left field Friday, when the Houston Astros play the Cardinals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, manager Joe Espada said. It will mark the next step for Altuve,

Altuve has not appeared in a game yet this spring, but team officials had always targeted Friday for his first taste of left field. Manager Joe Espada confirmed the plan to reporters in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Wednesday morning.