Corporan draws praise from Astros teammates

OAKLAND -- Astros backup catcher Carlos Corporan, who got the start in Thursday's series finale, has drawn repeated praise in the clubhouse for the job he's done this year behind All-Star starter Jason Castro.

Corporan has had a knack for coming up with some big hits this year, including his eighth-inning homer Monday to break up Yu Darvish's no-hit bid and his 11th-inning double off the bench Wednesday that scored Jose Altuve with the winning run.

Corporan entered Thursday hitting .252 with seven homers and 17 RBIs.

"He's done an incredible job," Castro said. "I think one of the most impressive things -- and it showed [Wednesday] night and it kind of epitomized what he's been able to do for us his year -- is coming off the bench cold, catching the ninth inning and coming up with a big double. That's really tough to do."

Astros manager Bo Porter believes the switch-hitting Corporan, who started his 37th game of the season on Thursday, has played a big role in Castro's development this year into front-line starter.

"That plays a huge role in giving your everyday guy an off-day when you have guys like Corporan, who has been tremendous and you're confident putting him back there knowing he's going to be able to get the job done and keep Castro fresh," Porter said. "That's played a huge role in the success Castro has had this year."

Corporan has managerial aspirations when his playing career is done and routinely bends Porter's ear during games to talk strategy.

"He's into the game the entire time, even the days he's not playing," Porter said.