Astros catcher Jason Castro tests positive for COVID-19

The Houston Astros will be without catcher Jason Castro, who tested positive for COVID-19.

Down 2-1 to the Atlanta Braves in the 2021 World Series, the Houston Astros will not have backup backstop Jason Castro available, as he has tested positive for COVID-19.

While Martin Maldonado has been the starter behind the plate for the Astros all series, Castro did make an appearance in Game 3’s shutout road loss on Friday night. He will be replaced by Garrett Stubbs on the Astros’ World Series roster. Houston loses a major veteran presence behind the plate and will have to adjust to his continued absence throughout the rest of the World Series.

The Astros need to win three of their next four games to avoid losing on the biggest of stages.

Houston Astros: Catcher Jason Castro tested positive for COVID-19

While Houston has an absolutely loaded roster, the Braves have caught fire of late, especially in games played at Truist Park. Entering Game 4 on Saturday night, Atlanta has yet to lose a postseason game at home. Factor in the Braves stealing Game 1 in Houston and the Braves have a chance to win their first World Series Championship since 1995 at home in front of their fans.

Of course, nothing is as easy as it seems. Houston will surely put forth a better offensive effort on Saturday. Weather was a factor in Northwest Georgia, as the Astros could not put a single run across in Game 3. Let’s not overlook Maldonado being more of a defensive-minded catcher, so losing Castro does hurt the Astros from a backup standpoint and from a bat coming off the bench.

If Houston does not win Game 4 on Saturday, Atlanta will have taken full control of the series.