Astros option Evan Gattis to Corpus Christi to get reps at catcher

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Astros manager A.J. Hinch searched for a late-game situation when, with the game all but decided, he could put Evan Gattis behind the plate.

On several occasions, if the team had tied the game or gone ahead in the eighth or ninth inning, Gattis was set to catch the following frame.

But with that opportunity continuing to elude them, the Astros decided on an alternative. After Friday night's 6-3 against the Mariners, the team optioned Gattis to Class AA Corpus Christi, where he will continue to re-acclimate himself with the catching position during the Hooks' nine-game homestand that begins Saturday.

"We want him to get back as a catching possibility for us," Hinch said. "The best way to do it is for him to go play."

Gattis likely won't spend much more if any than the 10 days players are required to spend in the minors after they are optioned. When not catching he will serve as Corpus Christi's designated hitter, as the Astros also try to get his bat going. He is slated to catch five to seven innings Saturday.

The team will make a corresponding roster move Saturday night's game against Seattle. It's expected lefthander Tony Sipp will return from paternity leave.

Preston Tucker will serve as the Astros' primary designated hitter while Gattis catches in Corpus Christi. Although Gattis has yet to catch in his two seasons with the Astros, it was his primary position in his two seasons with the Braves. He caught in 39 games in 2013 and 92 games in 2014.

Gattis will go to Class AA to re-acclimate himself with the catcher position. Gattis will go to Class AA to re-acclimate himself with the catcher position. Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 245 Caption Close Astros option Evan Gattis to Corpus Christi to get reps at catcher 1 / 245 Back to Gallery

Gattis said he's on board with the plan.

"I love to catch," he said. "It's where I feel comfortable on the field."

Hinch, a former major league catcher, has worked with Gattis before home games on catching drills, and Gattis has caught bullpen sessions about every other day. But there is no substitute for game action, and the Astros want Gattis to garner live repetitions before he jumps back into catching major league games.

Increasing Gattis' versatility would give the Astros more roster flexibility and a power bat in a position not typically occupied by them. The team's decision was surely made easier by his .203 batting average and .570 OPS through 64 at-bats.

"I think it will be really good for me," Gattis said. "Moving forward, I'm just excited."