Brandon Lyon (shoulder) said he'll have no limitations at the beginning of spring training. "I've thrown a few times off the mound, which is kind of rare for me coming into spring training," he said. "I usually don't throw too much, but I felt like I had to throw a couple of times and get on the mound and see where I'm at. I'm actually pretty happy where I'm at. I feel like I'm ahead of where I usually am right now." The Astros are having an open competition for their closer job, but Lyon has to enter camp as the favorite despite not appearing in a game since last June. He wouldn't be a great bet to pitch well and remain in the role, though.