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

After the Houston Astros held a defensive session practicing cut-offs and relay throws on a back field at their spring training complex Friday morning, Jose Altuve walked to the dugout with the position group he has occupied early in camp.