The Houston Astros will start rookie catcher Cesár Salazar behind the pate for the second straight game in their series’ finale against the Colorado Rockies on Thursday.
Astros’ catcher Yainer Diaz continues to deal with hand soreness after being hit by a pitch during Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles.
Diaz needs another day off to allow his hand to heal, missing his third straight game, according to MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart.
Diaz Will Miss Astros’ Series’ Finale
Although Diaz was held out of the Astros starting lineup for the third consecutive day, the Astros’ catcher did warm up on the field with his equipment for the second straight day.
Yainer Diaz heads out to the field for warmups pic.twitter.com/51eu9dKWTy
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) August 27, 2025
Diaz’s injury doesn’t seem to be anything major, but the Astros are giving the catcher some extra rest for his wrist.
With catcher Victor Caratini on the seven-day concussion injured list, the Astros called up Salazar for yesterday’s game and the rookie performed well.
Salazar didn’t pick up a hit, but he drew walk and was praised by Astros’ manager Joe Espada for his contributions behind the plate in the shutout win.
Salazar will earn another start for Thursday’s series finale with Diaz getting another day to rest his hand.
The Astros currently sit 1.5 games ahead of the Mariners to lead the American League West. Houston lost the first game of its series against the Rockies, but bounced back behind a stellar outing from Framber Valdez on Wednesday night.
The two teams will square off for the rubber match on Thursday at 11:10 a.m. MST at Daikin Park.
