Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker received some good news regarding the oblique issue that has limited him this spring training. Walker had flown back to Houston to get the oblique examined.

Here are three things we’ll be watching for around baseball today: Christian Walker was removed from the Astros’ spring training matchup against the Cardinals on Wednesday with soreness in his left oblique (per Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle ).

After going hitless in his Cactus League debut, Naylor has hit in eight consecutive games and his 11-for-24 (.458) with four doubles and three RBI. He may not be able to replicate the defense of three-time Gold Glove first baseman Christian Walker -- Arizona's starter in 2024 -- but Naylor's bat is expected to replace the production lost when Walker moved on to Houston during the offseason.

Despite the new first baseman's optimism about his injury, Houston is sending him home for more medical tests.

Owner Jim Crane commented that Smith “could make the ballclub this year at some point." That point could come sooner than expected.

Christian Walker is suffering from soreness in his left oblique muscle, the team announced and was scratched from Wednesday's spring training game.

The Houston Astros have been one of the most successful franchises over the past decade, winning a pair of World Series titles along the way.