The Astros designated catcher Craig Tatum for assignment Wednesday in order to clear a roster spot for outfielder Jack Cust.
General manager Jeff Luhnow made the announcement.
Cust, 33, agreed to terms on a one-year, $600,000 contract with the Astros on Wednesday that includes a club option for 2013.
This led to Houston making a corresponding roster move.
The Astros claimed Tatum off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles in late October and added him to the club's 40-man roster.
Tatum hit .195 with seven RBI, three doubles and seven runs scored in 31 games for manager Buck Showalter's squad last season.
He also spent time at Triple-A Norfolk, hitting .200 with seven RBI, three doubles and four runs scored over 65 at-bats in 21 games.
Jason Castro and Humberto Quintero remain as the catchers on Houston's 40-man roster, with Carlos Corporan scheduled to report to Major League camp in Spring Training as a non-roster invite.
Castro remains sidelined due to offseason surgery on his left foot.
It's likely the Astros will explore the free-agent market behind the plate and consider all options in order to address the lack of depth.
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