Jason Castro leaves game after five innings

Houston Astros catcher Jason Castro left Thursday night’s game against the Yankees after five innings of play. Castro came to the plate twice before leaving the game and was hit by pitch both times.

In Castro’s second plate appearance, Yankees starter Ivan Nova plunked Jason near his right ankle. Castro was able to walk it off and stay in the game — at least for the time being. Castro stayed in for the next two innings but did not come out to play defense in the sixth. The Astros lone All-Star representative in 2013 was replaced by Carlos Corporan.

Jason Castro (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)

Castro has battled leg injuries throughout his career, including a knee injury that cost him the entire 2011 season and limited him to 120 games last year. The Astros best offensive player, Castro is trying to shake a reputation for being injury prone.

The ankle probably started to swell up on Castro and the Astros want to be cautious with their #3 hitter. Corporan is likely to get the start behind the plate Friday when Lucas Harrell takes the mound against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Castro could get the day off. Or, if the ankle is feeling better, we could see Jason starting at DH against Angels’ righty Garrett Richards.

Let’s hope the injury is minor and Castro doesn’t miss significant time.

UPDATE: X-rays taken after Castro left the game show no fractures and Jason should be considered day-to-day.