The Houston Astros are getting huge offensive contributions from rookie Yainer Diaz, especially when he's behind the plate catching. He hit two home runs in the Rockies finale just this week.

In fact, his splits when he's playing catcher, as opposed to hitting DH, clearly indicate he should be catching more often.

Especially with catcher Martin Maldonado suffering through another miserable year at the plate, hitting .171 with half the season in the books. His poor offensive production used to be tolerated because he was one of the top defensive catchers in the game.

Well, that's no longer the case. Yainer Diaz is better than Maldy in almost every defensive category imaginable. And pitchers that are throwing to Diaz have a lower ERA. Now, you can't even make the argument that Maldonado calls a better game for his pitchers.

So when will Diaz be used as a catcher in at least an even playing time split with Maldy?

At this point, it doesn't look like manager Dusty Baker will give Diaz the opportunity to catch on a regular basis. But what about the playoffs? Will Diaz get a bump in playing time if the Astros return to the postseason this year?

Mauricio Dubon was no longer Justin Verlander's personal center fielder when the playoffs began last season.

And what about when Yordan Alvarez returns from injury? Will that change how Baker sets his lineups?

Be sure to watch the video above as we break it all down.

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