Salazar, Houston’s catcher, was central to the Grisham moment as the catcher supposedly demanding a curveball, then seeing Valdez’s retaliation. Salazar’s role behind the plate in late-season games could influence pitch-caller dynamics and game plans, with fantasy implications for his handling of Valdez and other starters.

Salazar, a rookie catcher, sparked a notable on-field miscommunication with Valdez that brought scrutiny to Valdez’s dynamics with his catcher. The incident raises questions about catcher-pitcher rapport and how it could influence Valdez’s market value and the Padres’ willingness to invest.

Salazar is brought up to Houston’s active roster to complement Caratini and Salazar’s role provides a defensive anchor behind the plate while Caratini rests. Salazar’s presence ensures Houston maintains catching depth, with occasional starts likely as the Astros manage wear and tear late in the season.

Salazar was at the center of a pitch-calling miscommunication with Valdez, describing a button-triggered call that led to a hit to the midriff. The incident sparked debate about catcher-pitcher communication and how much responsibility rests with the catcher in game-plan execution.

Salazar suggested crowd noise or a PitchCom misfire may have contributed to the cross-up after Grisham's slam. The incident drew managerial attention and spotlighted catcher-pitcher signal dynamics amid a tight wild-card and division race.