The Astros broke their recent practice of using an all-rookie battery, Friday, by substituting Yainer Diaz for Hunter Brown.
Instead, Martin Maldonado was tasked with covering Brown's start in the first game of a three-game series against the Padres. After the All-Star break, Diaz has caught Brown's previous eight starts.
Manager Dusty Baker stated: "I was attempting to pair up Yainer with Hunter, but there hasn't been much success with getting deep into games." "I sent Maldy in there today to help Brown get his act together. Maldy is the only person who can straighten him out.
Brown pitched six innings in four of his first five appearances following the All-Star break, but up until Friday, he has only gone five innings in his previous three starts. Twice, he had pitched fewer than five innings. Moreover, Brown is using a new delivery that he debuted in his performance in Detroit on August 26. He had a 4.53 ERA as of Friday.
For the game on Friday against Padres lefthander Blake Snell, Diaz started at designated hitter. Michael Brantley missed the starting lineup for the third time in four games, but according to Baker, he is "doing terrific" after returning in late August after a 14-month hiatus due to shoulder surgery.
Peña nominated
Shortstop The Astros have nominated Jeremy Pea for the Roberto Clemente Award, which honors an MLB player for their community service, moral conduct, and efforts both on and off the field.
This season, Pea and the Astros Foundation launched "Pea's Pals," a program in which the shortstop greets youngsters from nearby schools at Friday home games. That is Pea's first nomination for a Clemente Award.
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