Craig

Tatum

Tatum, 29, batted just .195/.245/.230 in 96 plate appearances last season for the Orioles. He’s simply a depth guy.

Tatum, 29, batted just .195/.245/.230 in 96 plate appearances last season for the Orioles. He’ll likely open the season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Tatum is a defense-first catcher who has batted only .223/.291/.264 over 100 career games. He’ll give the ‘Stros an option behind the plate to back up Jason Castro next season, or will simply serve as depth at Triple-A.

Tatum posted a rough .195/.245/.230 batting line in 96 plate appearances last season with the Orioles. The 28-year-old was claimed by the Astros in late October, then given the boot on Wednesday to clear a 40-man roster spot for newly-signed outfielder Jack Cust.

Houston designated Tatum for assignment earlier this month to clear a 40-man roster spot for outfielder Jack Cust. The 28-year-old catcher batted just .195/.245/.230 in 96 plate appearances last season for the Orioles and is doubtful to reach the major league level with Arizona.

Tatum was just signed to a minor league deal last month. It’s not clear what prompted the release, but perhaps he failed his spring training physical. He’ll now be on the lookout for a job elsewhere.

It’s not clear if the deal includes a spring training invite. Tatum last appeared in the majors in 2011 and will likely open the 2013 season at Triple-A New Orleans.

Luke Scott gets the day off, while Craig Tatum starts behind the plate.

Wieters has appeared in 33 of the O’s 34 games this season -- twice as the designated hitter -- so he’ll get the day off. Craig Tatum starts behind the plate, batting eighth against King Felix.

His stiff neck isn’t quite ready, but he is listed as day-to-day. Craig Tatum will start again in his place. Paul Janish will serve as emergency catcher in his absence.