The Houston Astros are expected to activate catcher Cesar Salazar Tuesday, three sources with knowledge of the situation tell KPRC 2, as starting catcher Yainer Diaz deals with swelling in his right index finger.
Diaz took a foul tip off the finger in Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Angels. The catcher’s X-Ray and MRI results both came back negative, a league source tells KPRC 2, providing hope Diaz can avoid a stint on the injured list. Diaz is still dealing with swelling at this point.
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Salazar has 13 games of MLB experience, after starting the season on the Astros 26-man roster in 2023.
The Mexican catcher out of the University of Arizona has had a strong offensive season in Triple-A Sugar Land, hitting .274 with an .846 OPS, and 6 home runs. Salazar is also well-regarded defensively by the Astros organization and has received plaudits from pitchers on his game-calling ability and clubhouse presence.
To clear a spot for Salazar, the Astros optioned outfielder Joey Loperfido to Triple-A Sugar Land, just a few days after recalling the prospect.
Loperfido pinch ran in Monday’s loss to the San Francisco Giants. Loperfido is batting .333 in 39 at bats at the MLB level.