The ValleyCats play their first exhibition game at 11:30 a.m. Friday against the Empire State Greys at Bruno Stadium. Admission is free. Tri-City opens the regular season May 12 at home against the Trois-Rivieres Aigles.
Altherr, who is 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, is one of two former major-leaguers on the Tri-City roster, along with relief pitcher Reymin Guduan, who appeared with the Astros and Athletics.