Astros Catcher César Salazar Says Pitchers 'Are Laser-Focused Right Now'

Houston Astros catcher César Salazar joins Next Up ahead of the weekend series against the New York Mets.

Salazar, a seventh-round pick in 2018, was recalled by the Astros on June 11 after Yainer Diaz injured his index finger off a foul tip against the Los Angeles Angels, but remained on the Major League roster after Victor Caratini went on the injured list with a left hip flexor strain. "I've only been here a couple of weeks," but the team is believing "in what they could do" during this seven-game win streak, Salazar said. The pitching staff is "laser-focused right now."

The Astros have dealt with injuries to starting pitching all season, paralleling the many pitching injuries across the league. While acknowledging that he is not a biometrics expert, Salazar does believe the pitch clock "has something to do with" the injuries.

Salazar also discusses improving his at-bats, what he learned from Martín Maldonado and more.