Convenience Big Store: Jose Altuve has a new swing and Lance McCullers a new approach

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A pair of Astros veterans had some new approaches on Friday. Jose Altuve spent the offseason working on the mechanics of his swing to correct flaws that developed last season. His first swing of spring was a good one. And Lance McCullers Jr. has dumped his signature windup to pitch from the stretch.

Please scroll down for the rest of this morning's headlines.

Reid Laymance, Sports Editor

reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros infielder/outfielder Jose Altuve (27) bats during Spring Training at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle

Jose Altuve's new swing looks good in his first spring game

Jose Altuve made some changes in the mechanics of his swing from last season and it paid off in first at-bat of spring.

Stretch: Gone is his signature windup with hands over his head. In its place is pitching from the stretch for Lance McCullers Jr. Read More
Scratch: Jake Meyers, the most experienced member of Houston's outfield, was scratched from Friday's spring game against Washington. Read More

Rockets / NBA

Houston Rockets center Clint Capela reacts after making a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Photo by: Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press

Clint Capela fires back at Lakers' DeAndre Ayton after random disrespectful shot

Yes, the Rockets' Clint Capela heard what DeAndre Ayton said about him. Now, he's offering the Lakers' center a piece of advice.

Houston guard Kingston Flemings (4) motions toward forward Kalifa Sakho after missing a wide-open shot during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Houston, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle

After a 'wakeup call' and rare three-game losing streak, UH is rested and ready

The Cougars are still No. 5 in the country as they play final games of regular season before Big 12 tournament and March Madness.

No. 5 UH vs. Colorado: The Cougars host the Buffaloes looking to end their first three-game losing streak in nearly a decade. Read More

NFL Combine

Texas A&M running back Le'Veon Moss speaks during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Photo by: Julio Cortez, Associated Press

Texas A&M running back Le'Veon Moss won't work out at NFL scouting combine

Le'Veon Moss said he's 85-90% healthy after an ankle injury cut short his final season and will wait to work out at A&M's pro day.

High School Basketball

Barbers Hill celebrates after defeating Iowa Colony 62-52 during the UIL Girls Regional Finals basketball game held at the Neal Center on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, in Channelview . ( J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle )

Photo by: J. Patric Schneider, For The Chronicle

Barbers Hill returns to state semifinals with unshakable belief

Barbers Hill girls basketball team returns to state semifinals with regional final victory over Iowa Colony.

Girls scores: Houston-area scores from the regional finals of the UIL girls basketball playoffs. Read More
Boys scores: Houston-area scores from the area round of the UIL boys basketball playoffs. Read More