Escalona gets back on the mound

The biggest news of the day concerning the Astros actually happened nearly 1,000 miles away in Houston, where the club announced its 2013 radio and television broadcast team. There wasn’t much mystery to the names, but with the start of games only 10 days, the incoming broadcasters can talk publicly about their new roles. Stay tuned.

Today’s Astros notebook has tons of information, including injury update on catcher Max Stassi, what Bo Porter has to stay about leadership and a look who might hit leadoff for the Astros. We also take a closer look at manager Bo Porter and what he’s done in the first few days of camp to transform the mood of the club.

At Osceola County Stadium, another three groups of pitchers got on the mound for the first time.

Group 1B: Erik Bedard, Philip Humber, Jordan Lyles, Jose Cisnero, Rudy Owens.

Group 2B: Dallas Keuchel, Jose Veras, Josh Fields, Ross Seaton, Rhiner Cruz.

Group 3B: Paul Clemens, Chia-Jen Lo, Hector Ambriz, C.J. Fick, Sergio Escalona.

It was a big step for Escalona, who missed all of last season following Tommy John surgery.

“That is one step right now to just keep going to the goal,” he said. “I say ‘Thank God.’ That’s everything I have to say. I was patient, I was working for this day and, like I said, it’s one step at a time. I can’t get overexcited and just try to do everything to my best. I’m excited and really happy for today and just need to prepare for the second one.”

Here is the day in pictures:

J.D. Martinez does an interview.

Bench coach Eduardo Perez.

Bo Porter tells the pitchers “don’t panic” if they have trouble fielding a ball.

Pitching coach Doug Brocail makes a point in coach’s scrum.

Sergio Escalona is all smiles after throwing first bullpen.

Paul Clemens throws in the bullpen.

Chia-Jen Lo throws in the bullpen.

Justin Maxwell greets Bo Porter.

Catching instructor Jeff Murphy gets a little animated.

Catcher Jason Jaramillo.

Jason Jaramillo and Dallas Keuchel talk following bullpen session.