Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz continued his strong start of the season on Thursday versus the Kansas City Royals. Diaz went 2-for-5 on the day with a home run. The home run would be the third of the season for the 25-year-old. Diaz has become the full-time catcher with veteran Martin Maldonado signing with the Chicago White Sox this offseason and the move has worked to perfection thus far. Diaz has not only been a solid bat in the middle of the lineup, but he is hitting a healthy .333 with three homers and seven RBI in 51 games. As a fixture in one of the better lineups in the league and at a tough position, fantasy managers must be thrilled with their early return on investment with Diaz.

Yainer Diaz has accepted the role of full-time catcher for the Houston Astros. The 25-year-old is reportedly going to "let things flow" this year, refusing to let the pressure overwhelm him. Houston's new manager Joe Espada showed his support for Daz, stating that he is "ready for the challenge." Daz was certainly up to the challenge in 2023, mashing 23 homes in just 104 games. Looking ahead, the Astros believe he will be a solid catcher for the foreseeable future.

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown said the team will be on the lookout for backup catcher options this offseason, as they plan to enter the 2024 season with Yainer Diaz as "the guy." Martin Maldonado was the club's primary backstop in 2023, but he will head to free agency this winter. The Astros saw enough from Diaz this year to move forward with him as their starting catcher in 2024. In 355 at-bats, the 25-year-old Dominican hit .282 (100-for-355) with 23 home runs, 22 doubles, 60 RBI and 51 runs scored in 377 plate appearances in his first full major-league season. For the power alone, Diaz will be an intriguing fantasy option at a weak position as he sees even more playing time next year for the Astros.

Houston Astros infielders Yainer Diaz and Mauricio Dubon are making their first starts of the American League Division Series in Game 3 on Tuesday against the Minnesota Twins and right-hander Sonny Gray. Diaz is the designated hitter and is batting sixth, while Dubon will start in center field and hit in the seven-hole. Michael Brantley and Chas McCormick will retreat to the bench. Diaz, 25, hit a strong .282/.308/.538 with an .846 OPS, 23 home runs, 60 RBI and 51 runs scored in 355 at-bats in his first full major-league season this year, but he's been limited to one pinch-hitting appearance in his first two postseason games to this point. Dubon also had an impressive regular season (.278 average) with 10 homers and seven steals in 467 at-bats.

Houston Astros catcher/designated hitter Yainer Diaz is not in the club's starting lineup Monday versus the Mariners and right-hander Luis Castillo. Diaz collected an RBI single in four at-bats in Sunday's 6-5 loss to the Royals and will begin a three-game set with the division-rival Mariners on the bench Monday. The rookie has enjoyed a big season at the plate, hitting .285 with 23 home runs and an .853 OPS across 372 plate appearances. Additionally, his .370 xwOBA sits above his current .356 wOBA, suggesting he had indeed been deserving of his results at the plate. With fellow backstop Martin Maldonado hitting free agency after the season, the 25-year-old Diaz could become the club's primary backstop if the veteran walks on the open market.

Houston Astros catcher/designated hitter Yainer Diaz is not in the starting lineup Monday night against the visiting Oakland A's and right-hander Mason Miller. The 24-year-old had a solid afternoon at the plate in Sunday's series finale with the Padres, going 1-for-3 with a walk, an RBI, and a pair of runs scored in his club's 12-2 rout of the visiting Friars. Diaz has burst onto the scene in 2023, hitting .283 with 21 home runs and an .842 OPS across 94 appearances on the campaign. However, his playing time could take a hit with the return of Michael Brantley who should also see time at designated hitter alongside Yordan Alvarez moving forward.

Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and a strikeout in a 6-5 win over the Miami Marlins on Tuesday. Diaz put the Astros on the board in the top of the fourth inning with a 409-foot blast off Johnny Cueto to left-center field with Yordan Alvarez aboard. It was his only hit of the ball game, but it proved to be the difference in a one-run win. Diaz has been an excellent source of power this season, slashing .273/.292/.520 with 16 home runs and 41 RBI over 256 at-bats. He's more of a two-catcher-league option due to his lack of playing time, however, as Martin Maldonado is the Astros primary catcher.