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The other shoe finally dropped for Erik Kratz. The Astros made an emergency move to bring Kratz just before the season starter to fill as the team's back up catcher. But once Evan Gattis went down to Double-A Corpus Christi to learn the catcher position again, Kratz's days were numbered.
Sunday, the Astros announced that Gattis would be replacing Kratz on the roster as the team's backup catcher.
Roster moves: Gattis recalled, will replace Kratz on roster; Tucker optioned to AAA, corresponding move tomorrow.
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 15, 2016
Gattis caught four games with the Hooks before being called up for Tuesday's game, he is not expected to catch Dallas Keuchel.
Kratz, 35, batted .069 (2x29) with zero runs, home runs, or RBIs with the Astros Gattis, 29, is batting .203 (13x64) with a home run and seven RBIs. Gattis led the Astros in home runs (27) and RBIs (88) last season. Not spelled out but one can assume the team has designated him for assignment.
The team also sent down outfielder Preston Tucker. Tucker, 25, is batting .176 (15x85) with three home runs and five RBIs. The Astros haven't named his replacement but Kratz's departure leaves a hole on the 40-man roster.