Houston Astros Lose Catcher Jason Castro

The Houston Astros got some really bad news Friday morning.

It was revealed that catcher Jason Castro tore his ACL and meniscus in his right knee. Castro hurt the knee on Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers when he tried to avoid a tag at first base.

Castro went for an MRI on Thursday night and underwent successful surgery on Friday afternoon. He could potentially return in September, but it’s more than likely Castro’s 2011 season is over.

This is a big blow to the Astros, not because it hinders their playoff chances, but because it slows Castro’s development.

The Astros need to start developing their own talent, and this injury will really slow down Castro’s progress.

Castro hit .205/.286/.287 with two home runs in 217 plate appearances during his rookie year in 2010 for the Astros. He did hit .265/.365/.355 with four home runs in 244 plate appearances in Triple-A.

While I don’t believe Castro will develop into anything special offensively, I do think he can be a quality catcher behind the plate and have the ability to handle a pitching staff.

Now that Castro’s season is more than likely over, unless the Astros go outside the organization for a replacement, they will have to turn to either J.R. Towles or Humberto Quintero.

Those two studs have a combined .221 batting average and 21 home runs in 1,094 at-bats in the Major Leagues.

Let’s just say the catching position isn’t the gold standard of the Astros’ organization.

If the Astros are to look outside for catching help, they might not find much available.

Ryan Doumit of the Pittsburgh Pirates may be available; Kelly Shoppach of the Tampa Bay Rays could be an option as well;and Bengie Molina is a free agent, but I would have a hard time believing he would sign with a team ticketed for a fifth-place finish in 2011.

Castro will begin his rehab on Monday in Houston.

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