Full squad works out for first time

With the exception of Bill Hall, who was away from the team to be with his fiance following the birth of their child, the Astros had their first full-squad workout Sunday at Osceola County Stadium. The Astros will be able to practice as a team for about a week before they play their first Grapegruit League game on Feb. 28.

The position players, who took the field for the first time, hit the ground running. They participated in base running drills, as well as drills fielding their positions. There was also a round of batting practice, but the real test begins Monday when the batters get thrown into the fire and face live pitching.

There was a bit of injury news at camp Monday. Pitchers weren’t scheduled to throw, but right-hander Alberto Arias threw a side session with pitching coach Brad Arnsberg catching him. Arias said he felt discomfort in his shoulder, the same shoulder he had surgically repaired April 22, 2010, so he will be evaluated further Monday.

Otherwise, the Astros remain injury free as camp got underway in earnest.

Here are some photos of the first workout:

Above: Michael Bourn runs towards the outfield for drills on one of the back fields, while Brett Wallace prepares to field some ground balls at first base.

Above: Reliever Alberto Arias pitches in the bullpen.

Above: Hunter Pence plays catch while warming up Sunday morning.

Above: Pitching coach Brad Arnsberg gets animated while working with Lance Pendleton.

Above: Drayton McLane speaks briefly with some fans on the back fields.

Above: Jason Michaels takes batting practice