Astros' Brandon Bielak: To start spring training opener

Bielak will start the Astros' first Grapefruit League contest Sunday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Bielak contributed significantly to the Astros in 2020, throwing 32 innings both as a starter and reliever. However, he didn't have consistent success, posting a 6.75 ERA and 1.75 WHIP with a 26:17 K:BB. Houston made a number of additions to its bullpen this offseason -- the most significant of which were Pedro Baez and Steve Cishek -- which means Bielak is likely to begin the season at Triple-A Sugar Land.