WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Unless there are injuries this spring, it appears there will be only one spot available for a position player to make the Astros' roster when the regular season starts. The decision for manager A.J. Hinch will come down to carrying a third catcher or an extra infielder/outfielder, such as Tyler White or Tony Kemp.
Veteran Brian McCann returns as the starter, with Evan Gattis again slotted as his backup, but a third catcher would give freedom for McCann and Gattis to be the designated hitter more and help preserve their health.