Christian Walker

Walker (oblique) will start at first base and bat cleanup in Thursday's season opener versus the Mets, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Walker (oblique) took seven at-bats in a minor-league game Tuesday and is expected to be in the lineup for Thursday's season opener versus the Mets, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Singleton hit just .174/.239/.195 this spring. With Zach Dezenzo hitting well and Christian Walker healed, there is just no real need for Singleton in Houston. He could still re-sign with them on a minor league deal, but he figures to test the free agent market first.

Espada added that Walker, who is recovering from a mild oblique strain, played six innings at first base and also homered on Monday in a simulated game. The 33-year-old veteran first baseman appears on track to make his Astros debut during Thursday's season opener against the Mets.

Astros manager Joe Espada said that Walker (oblique) played six innings on defense and hit a home run during a simulated game Monday, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.