Astros Notes: Catching, Brantley, Gurriel

Defending champion Astros could be set to use internal options alongside veterans Martin Maldonado behind the plate. As MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart’s report suggests, the Astros have considered the possibility of introducing an outside backstop to replace retired players. Jason Castro and left Christian Vasquezbut now we might entrust one of our young catchers to back up Maldonado.

Favorite Maldonado is team’s top backstop and prospect corey lee When Yainer Diaz He was able to battle it out in the spring for backup jobs in the big leagues. He has been in the big leagues last year, going 4-25 in 12 games. Lee spent most of his season in 2022 at Triple-A, where he hit 25 home runs en route to the .238/.307/.483 line.

The 24-year-old Diaz is known for his big bat, batting .306/.356/.542 between Double-A and Triple-A last season and hitting 25 home runs. Miles Straw contract with Cleveland. Diaz was also called up to the big leagues last season, where he doubled and walked in nine at-bats. Both Lee and Diaz have their advantages, but McTaggart speculates that Diaz’s bat may have an advantage over Lee in the first place because the team can play him at DH and also at first base.

Here are some other snippets from the Astros:

• Chandler Rome on the Houston Chronicle expectations are that Michael Brantley We are preparing for the open day. The Astros signed Brantley to his one-year, $12 million deal just before Christmas. The 35-year-old batted .288/.370/.416 with the Astros last year and was a productive hitter before being placed on the disabled list with a shoulder injury in late June. needed surgery. Brantley is no stranger to injury problems, but he’s very effective when he’s in good form, as evidenced by the fact that he’s batting .306/.365/.462 since 2017. is a good hitter. They are looking to defend their title.
• Astros great front office member Jeff Bagwell provided insight as to whether the team would be interested in returning. Yuri GurrielThe 38-year-old is a free agent after playing seven seasons with the Astros. He had several strong seasons in Houston, but his performance slipped last year, batting 584 at bats, where he hit eight home runs and stayed at a .242/.288/.360 batting average. The Marlins are the only team reported to have made contact with Gurriel, but the Astros don’t seem to be closing the door on his return. “We, Jim[Crane]Dusty[Baker]nobody loves Yuri more than everyone. We’re just trying to find the right fit for the club. He’s been a huge part of his success here.” We will continue to monitor the situation.” Bagwell said (Via McTaggart).