HOUSTON — The Houston Astros have made their final decision behind the plate.
Manager Joe Espada announced Tuesday that veteran Christian Vázquez will serve as the backup catcher on Houston’s Opening Day roster, ending a spring-long competition with César Salazar. The Astros will need to add Vázquez to the 40-man roster, with Salazar designated for assignment to clear the spot.
Vázquez, 35, brings extensive big-league experience to the role. He has appeared in at least 93 games in five consecutive seasons and was part of two World Series championship teams—Boston in 2018 and Houston in 2022, when he spent part of the season with the Astros. He signed a minor-league deal with Houston on March 7 and joined camp late after playing for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.
“We know Christian Vázquez very well, the experience that he brings to our club, played some big games through his career, the value, the credibility that he adds to a team,” Espada said. “So we took those qualities and also other things into consideration when we made this decision.”
Experience Wins Out
Salazar, 30, had been the frontrunner for much of the spring. A seventh-round pick by the Astros in 2018, he is familiar with Houston’s pitching staff and remains a respected presence in the clubhouse.
But general manager Dana Brown made clear early in camp that the club would keep its options open, and Vázquez ultimately provided the higher floor in a role that prioritizes stability behind the plate.
Tough Roster Call
Espada acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, particularly given Salazar’s standing within the organization.
“It’s a very, very difficult conversation due to how we feel about César and what he means to the organization, his relationship with the players, the human being he is,” Espada said. “But we have to make that very difficult decision.”
Salazar is out of minor-league options and will need to clear waivers to remain in the organization.
The Astros open the regular season Thursday against the Los Angeles Angels at Daikin Park.
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