Astros Outright Cesar Salazar

The Astros sent catcher Cesar Salazar outright to Triple-A Sugar Land, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. He successfully passed through waivers after getting designated for assignment on Thursday. Salazar could’ve elected free agency, but he’s chosen to accept the assignment.

This is Salazar’s second trip through the DFA process this season. The previous outright gave him the option to reject the assignment this time around. Instead, he’ll stick with the only organization he’s known as a pro.

The 30-year-old Salazar has appeared in parts of four seasons with the Astros. He’s slashed .189/.295/.216 in 45 games as a big leaguer. Salazar has been the guy Houston has called on when they need a stopgap behind the plate. He joined the club in May after Yainer Diaz went down with an oblique injury. Salazar went 1-for-18 while splitting the gig with Christian Vazquez. The Astros opted to replace him with Collin Price.

Salazar is out of minor league options. Since he accepted the assignment, Houston can stash him at Triple-A as catching depth. Salazar will likely get the call if Vasquez or Price needs to be replaced.