The news from the exploratory meniscus surgery did not come back good for the Astros. Catcher Jason Castro has torn his ACL and will miss six months, which would put him on course for a September return. If the Astros decide to let him return at that point, that is. Any kind of setback would mean the season is over, and likely, the Astros will not rush him back unless they’re in a playoff scenario.
Castro, one of the Astros top prospects heading into last year, hit just .205 in 217 major league plate appearances, but he did throw out 36.7% of basestealers last season. The Astros were counting on him to be their starting catcher this year, despite his poor offensive numbers last year and his poor offensive numbers for AAA Round Rock last season.
With Castro out, the Astros will likely turn to Humberto Quintero behind the plate. J.R. Towles is the only other option on the 40-Man Roster, though it’s possible that someone like Carlos Corporan will be added to the 40 now that Castro is officially down long-term. Alternately, the Astros could bring in someone like Bengie Molina if Drayton McLane has any cash left in the checkbook.