The Astros announced today that catcher Jason Castro was moved to the 60-day IL due to knee surgery. According to Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle, Castro underwent surgery last week, and is out for the season. Back in March, Rome reported that Castro was considering retirement after the season. So it’s quite possible that Castro’s June 29th game against the Mets in New York was his last. If so, it was a strong note to finish on, as Castro’s ninth inning home run accounted for all the runs in an Astros victory.
Castro’s injury explains the Astros’ trade with the Red Sox for catcher Christian Vazquez yesterday. Vazquez will team up with stalwart Martin Maldonado as the Astros look to coast to an AL West title and perhaps much more. Astros GM James Click also picked up DH/first baseman Trey Mancini and reliever Will Smith in recent days.
If 2022 marks the end of the road for Castro, he can take pride in a successful 12-year career bookended by multiyear stints with the Astros. Castro made the All-Star team in 2013 with what would be his finest season. He also played for the Twins, Angels, and Padres, earning more than $50MM in his career. In addition to 952 regular season contests, Castro appeared in 14 postseason games, and notably he played for other organizations during the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal.
Solid defense-first catcher with occasional pop, really good guy.
Will Vazquez be the starter?
He’ll split time with Maldonado. Stros pitchers love Maldonado, but he can’t hit.
He’s hit better the past month. Better numbers than Contreras in July.
I love how the one place bias shows on this site is whenever 2017 comes up. There is nothing notable about something almost every team did.
Where in the story is that reference? Touchy touchy, aren’t you dejota.
@easternleague; did you even read the last sentence?
@stroh; agreed, it was unnecessary. But Tim and MLBTR have to pander/cater to their advertisers when it comes to anything Astros or 2017 related (more clicks and comments = more revenue) regardless if it’s relevant.
I agree with you that it was an unneeded last sentence. But my guess is that the writers have an east coast or West coast bias in general.