Astros' Yainer Diaz: Sitting in second straight game

Diaz is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins.

Diaz will give way to Victor Caratini behind the plate for the second day in a row while he's in the midst of a prolonged slump at the plate. Dating back to May 1, Diaz is slashing .200/.213/.259 over a stretch of 25 games. Given that he's valued mainly for his contributions at the plate rather than as a pitch framer and game caller, Diaz's lengthy dry spell with the bat looks to be costing him playing time. The Astros have already pulled back on using Diaz as a designated hitter on days he doesn't catch; he started seven games at DH between March and April, but he hasn't made a start as the DH since May 17.