 He competed with Humberto Quintero and Lou Palmisano for the starting or back-up job in spring training in 2009, but instead began the season in Round Rock when the team had signed Iván Rodríguez on March 16.After Quintero was designated to the 15 Day Disabled List, Towles was called up to the Astros to serve as back-up catcher for Rodriguez.Towles hit .191 (9-for-47) with one homer and eight RBIs in 17 games with the Astros.