Jorge Alcala returns for the Buies Creek Astros in 2018. The right-handed pitcher is shown warming up as the Carolina League club had media day Monday at Jim Perry Stadium. (Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

The Buies Creek Astros had their media day Monday at Jim Perry Stadium on the Campbell campus.

The high Class A affiliate of the 2017 World Series champion Houston Astros opens its Carolina League baseball season at Salem on Thursday at 7:05 p.m.

The first home game will be Thursday, April 12, at 7 p.m. against Salem.

Morgan Ensberg will manage the BC Astros in 2018, their second and final season in Harnett County before moving to Fayetteville.