Houston Astros starting catcher Yainer Diaz is dealing with a lingering foot injury as spring training opens, though the team remains confident he’ll be ready for Opening Day.
Manager Joe Espada revealed Wednesday that Diaz sprained his left foot while sliding into second base during a December game in the Dominican Winter League. The 27-year-old immediately flew to Houston for diagnosis and treatment, cutting his winter ball season short.
Injury Occurred During Winter League Play
“He’s catching bullpens, swinging the bat and throwing as normal,” Espada said, noting that Diaz is on a “modified” running program while the foot completes its final stages of healing.
Diaz participated in the Astros’ first workout for pitchers and catchers on Wednesday at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, though his running progression will be behind other players. He caught a bullpen session and took batting practice with no apparent issues.
Opening Day Status Not in Doubt
There’s currently no indication that Diaz will miss time to begin the regular season or be significantly limited during Grapefruit League play, but the injury highlights concerns about Houston’s depth at the catcher position.
Depth Concerns Behind the Plate
The Astros allowed backup catcher Victor Caratini to depart in free agency without securing a proven replacement. Cesar Salazar, who has limited major league experience, is projected as the primary backup, though the organization has concerns about whether his bat can handle increased playing time at the MLB level.
According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Astros have been exploring the catching market, reportedly checking in on veteran Christian Vazquez as a potential addition. The team’s thin depth at the position makes Diaz’s health particularly critical heading into the 2026 season.
2025 Performance and Contract Update
Diaz is coming off an up-and-down 2025 campaign in which he hit .256/.284/.417 with 20 home runs, 70 RBIs, and 56 runs scored in 143 games. His batting average dropped from .299 in 2024 to .256, though much of that decline was attributed to a regression in BABIP (batting average on balls in play) from .338 to .277.
The catcher recently won his arbitration case against the Astros, earning a $4.5 million salary for 2026 instead of the team’s $3 million offer. He has two more years of arbitration eligibility remaining before reaching free agency.