J.R. Towles returns from ankle injury

J.R. Towles had a big game tonight in New York after missing the last four games with an ankle injury. Towles was behind the plate for Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez in the Astros 6-1 win. Towles went 2 for 2 with a pair of walks, raising his average to .429 for the season. Tonight’s performance wasn’t as dominant as the eight RBI night Towles produced in 2007 against the Cardinals. But he is making strides toward shaking his label as the Paris Hilton of baseball. Like Ms. Hilton, J.R gave us one unforgettable night early in his career but has been useless ever sense. Towles is now competing with Humberto Quintero for playing time behind the plate. This was the second time Towles has caught Wandy with magical results. I would expect J.R. to be handling Rodriguez every time out as long as that trend continues. Both backstops are off to surprisingly hot starts with the bat. Quintero is better defensively and has been deemed the personal catcher for staff ace Brett Myers. Towles has also played well defensively and should garner more playing time going forward.