The Houston Astros’ injury list grew longer Monday when catcher Yainer Diaz was scratched from the lineup against the Los Angeles Dodgers due to a left abdominal injury, the team announced approximately an hour before first pitch.
Houston did not place Diaz on the injured list, instead optioning Shay Whitcomb to Triple-A Sugar Land to clear an active roster spot and selecting catcher César Salazar from Sugar Land. The Astros had a 40-man roster spot available after designating outfielder Daniel Johnson for assignment earlier Monday.
Christian Vázquez started behind the plate in Diaz’s absence and would figure to handle the bulk of the catching duties if Diaz misses time. Vázquez has been solid this season, slashing .333/.390/.519 in 17 games, including 13 starts at catcher.
Diaz, the team’s primary catcher, appeared in 22 of Houston’s first 35 games and was batting .248/.264/.356 entering Monday.
With Diaz’s status uncertain, the Astros now have 14 players on the injured list, including shortstop Jeremy Peña, ace Hunter Brown, closer Josh Hader, starters Cristian Javier and Tatsuya Imai, and center fielder Jake Meyers.
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