Brian

Esposito

The 32-year-old catcher spent only a few days in the majors this year and was not granted a single plate appearance. He’ll have trouble finding a new team quickly.

Esposito has made only three major league plate appearances in his career. He turns 33 years old next month and likely won’t get past Triple-A with the Reds.

Esposito has appeared in just three major league games in his pro career. And that’s unlikely to change this season for the 33-year-old journeyman backstop.

The Cardinals had a couple of nice third catchers around last year in Mike Rose and Michel Hernandez, but Esposito, who was hitting .174/.221/.243 in Triple-A, is the best they could do right now. They’ll likely attempt to trade for an upgrade.

This won’t necessarily take the Cardinals out of the market for catching help, but Stinnett is an upgrade over Brian Esposito as a backup while Yadier Molina is out. The Cardinals will probably add him to the roster within the next couple of days.

Esposito didn’t get an at-bat in his one appearance for the Cardinals. He’s likely to be the first guy removed from the 40-man roster when a spot is needed.

The light-hitting Esposito was up briefly in June while Yadier Molina was hurt. The Cardinals are pickign Kelly Stinnett over him as a third catcher, though Stinnett won’t be up for a few days yet.

Esposito was called up from the minors on Friday, but didn’t make an appearance during his brief stay with the team. The Astros must be confident that J.R. Towles (chin) is close to returning to the lineup.

Esposito batted just .205 with two homers in 197 at-bats this year in the minors but was added to the big league roster in September to serve as an emergency catcher down the stretch. He can elect free agency.

A defense-first backstop, Esposito was hitless in three at-bats for the Astros this past season and batted only .203/.233/.279 between Double- and Triple-A. The 31-year-old will function as a warm body in spring training but stands little chance at cracking the opening day roster.