Astros acquire Matt Pagnozzi from Braves

The Houston Astros have acquired catcher Matt Pagnozzi from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for cash considerations, according to a team announcement. Although Pagnozzi has spent the entire season with Triple-A Gwinnett, he will immediately join Houston's major league team.

Pagnozzi, 30, has hit .210 with 6 HR and 31 RBI in 90 games with Gwinnett on the season, serving as the team's primary catcher. He last appeared in the majors in 2011 with the Pirates, when he was 2-for-8 with an RBI in five games. In parts of three major league seasons with the Cardinals (2009-2010), Rockies (2011) and Pirates (2011), Pagnozzi has hit .310 with 1 HR and 13 RBI in 33 games.

The addition of Pagnozzi signifies that the Astros are concerned about the health of All-Star catcher Jason Castro, who suffered a right knee sprain on Monday. Although it is unclear how long Castro will be sidelined with the injury, both Pagnozzi and rookie catcher Cody Clark are expected to see significant playing time throughout the month of September.