Convenience Big Store: Bryan Abreu's importance to the Astros has never been more evident

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Today's starting lineup

When listing the most invaluable Astros, Bryan Abreu would have to rank near the top — if not at the top. The leverage reliever's importance to the team is magnified with the uncertainty surrounding Josh Hader's injury. Speaking of uncertainty, 2026 could be Abreu's final year in Houston as he's eligible for free agency at season's end. Matt Kawahara has more from West Palm Beach.

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

Greg Rajan, Weekend Sports Editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu (52) delivers during a live batting session in Spring Training at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle

Mr. Reliable

Bryan Abreu is entering his final season under team control and his presence in the Astros' bullpen is invaluable amid uncertainty as the start of the season looms.

'Premature' to speculate: Josh Hader has yet to throw a bullpen session in camp, but Astros manager Joe Espada isn't ready to declare his closer's status for opening day. Read More
'He can hit': Where Isaac Paredes will play still isn't defined but he showed what he can bring to the Astros' lineup in his Grapefruit League debut. Read More
See you later: If Jeremy Peña has his way, his absence from Astros spring training because of the World Baseball Classic will be an extended one. Read More

Rockets / NBA

Miami Heat guard Dru Smith, left, and forward Simone Fontecchio, right, defend Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun, center, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Photo by: Lynne Sladky, Associated Press

Late letdown

Undone by poor shooting and defense, the Rockets couldn't pull off a second consecutive fourth-quarter comeback as the Heat pulled away in the closing minutes.

UH's Milos Uzan matched his career high with 26 points Saturday in the Cougars' rout of Colorado.

Photo by: Alex Slitz, Getty Images

Back on track

After what he called a "good talk" with coach Kelvin Sampson, Milos Uzan led the way as the Cougars ended their longest losing streak in nine years in emphatic fashion by thumping Colorado.

Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) dribbles down the court as Texas A&M Aggies guard Rylan Griffen (3) defends in the second half as the Texas Longhorns play the Texas A&M Aggies at Reed Arena in College Station, Feb. 28, 2026. Texas won the game 76-70.

Photo by: Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman

There he goes again

Tramon Mark has a knack for coming through against Texas A&M and the man who said he doesn't like the color maroon did so again in a key Texas victory Saturday, writes Kirk Bohls.

No. 16 Texas Tech 82, No. 4 Iowa State 73: Donovan Atwell scored 18 points to help the Red Raiders hand the Cyclones their first home loss of the season. Read More
Stephen F. Austin 77, Houston Christian 56: Led by Keon Thompson's 17 points, the visiting Lumberjacks cruised past the Huskies. Read More
Texas Southern 82, Jackson State 57: Zaire Hayes scored 17 points as Texas Southern rolled past Jackson State at home. Read More

NFL Combine

Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion 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

Life-changing year

KC Concepcion, one of college football's most versatile talents, said his lone season at Texas A&M "meant everything to me" as he works out for NFL teams.