Bennett Sousa is back in the Houston Astros camp, aiming for a relief role after an injury-ridden 2024 season. The left-handed pitcher was sidelined due to shoulder inflammation that led to surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome just after the season began. After a challenging recovery, including a hospitalization for fluid buildup in his lung, Sousa is reportedly healthy and throwing well. He showcased a notable improvement in velocity, hitting 96 mph while maintaining effectiveness with his slider, which he relied upon heavily during his short late-2023 appearances.

As the Astros prepare for a new season, competition for bullpen spots is expected to be fierce, with several candidates vying for limited roles. Josh Hader and Bryan Abreu are likely locks, but the final spots remain uncertain, leaving an opening for Sousa to potentially secure a place in a bullpen that has seen significant turnover.