Candidates Castro, Norris await All-Star Game fate

ARLINGTON -- With rosters set to be announced at 5:30 p.m. CT Saturday on the 2013 MLB All-Star Game Selection Show presented by Taco Bell, televised nationally on FOX, the only thing the Astros know for sure is that they will have a representative, as does every MLB club. Who it will be -- and whether there will be more than one -- are still unanswered questions.

It's likely that either catcher Jason Castro or pitcher Bud Norris, but not both, will represent the Astros for the American League on July 16 at Citi Field.

Castro entered Friday's game ranked second among AL catchers in doubles (22), homers (11) and slugging percentage (.465). He ranked third in OPS (.791) and fourth in hits (71). Over the past 38 games, his .914 OPS is the 11th-best in the AL.

"It's kind of a surreal thing to even be included in that talk," Castro said. "That's exciting, and I've been really happy with the way the year's gone so far. I've got some work to do, but my main thing this year is to try to stay as consistent as possible for the full season. Those are really my goals, and if the All-Star selection's a part of that, obviously I would be thrilled."

Norris has made 18 starts, tied for the most in the AL, and was 10th among qualifying pitchers in ERA (3.22) entering Friday's game.

Manager Bo Porter said he hadn't spoken to Tigers manager Jim Leyland, the AL skipper this year, but expected Leyland and his staff to make a smart choice.

"Whatever player or players we have chosen will be completely deserving," Porter said.