Stassi appears ahead of Tim Federowicz in the battle for the Astros' third catcher job, for now, Hunter Atkins of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager A.J. Hinch is calling it a "fierce battle" for the third catcher spot. Stassi is out of option, and the Astros seems happy with his improved athleticism and work with the starting staff in camp, but they are not guaranteeing him anything. Last year, Stassi was passed over for Juan Centeno when the Astros needed to call up a catcher, but Stassi hit .338/.430/.613 against lefties at Triple-A and would make for a logical replacement for Brian McCann behind the plate against southpaws, with Evan Gattis at DH.

Stassi is looking to claim the final available roster spot, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With little drama in spring training of the World Series champs, we're left watching the one available spot for a position player. Does manager A.J. Hinch keep a third catcher, like Stassi, or an extra infielder/outfielder, such as Tyler White or Tony Kemp. Stassi's out of options, so he'll need to clear waivers if Houston wants him at Triple-A Fresno. Hinch would feel more comfortable with Stassi on the roster if he continues to hit as he did in 2017 for the Grizzlies (12 HR, 856 OPS). Having a third catcher on the roster allows Hinch the flexibility to deploy Evan Gattis as the designated hitter. But it all comes down to Stassi's offense.

Stassi is the frontrunner to be the backup catcher to Brian McCann in 2018, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 26-year-old Stassi has served as the organization's primary catcher at the Triple-A level, first at Oklahoma City and then at Fresno. He's coming off his best season at Triple-A, hitting 12 home runs with an .856 OPS. To be generous, his major-league track record is too small of a sample size (79 at-bats), but his career numbers in the minors don't suggest a productive hitter in MLB. That could present a problem should McCann's career trajectory continue on the same path. The 33-year-old catcher, who had 349 at-bats in 2017, has seen fewer at-bats in successive seasons since 2014.

Stassi (hand) was activated from the 10-day disabled list Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Stassi was sidelined for just over the minimum amount of time with left hand inflammation and was cleared to return after a successful three-game rehab assignment with Double-A Corpus Christi. With Brian McCann's top backup at catcher, Evan Gattis (wrist), on track to return from the DL by the weekend, Stassi and Juan Centeno won't be in store for much work behind the plate -- if any -- before the season concludes.

Stassi (hand) will be activated from the 10-day disabled list Monday, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stassi wrapped up a three-game rehab assignment Friday with Double-A Corpus Christi, during which he recorded four hits -- including two home runs -- in nine at-bats. Suffice to say, his left hand doesn't appear to be presenting any issues and shouldn't impact his availability when he rejoins the Astros, though it's unlikely Stassi will see much usage behind No. 1 catcher Brian McCann.

Stassi (hand) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Corpus Christi on Tuesday, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

EDGE Analysis

A hand injury landed Stassi on the disabled list last week, but the ailment doesn't appear to be anything overly serious as he's already set to begin a minor-league rehab stint. Barring any setbacks, it's looking like Stassi may be ready for activation when first eligible Sept. 4. When he does return, he isn't expected to see much playing time with Evan Gattis and Brian McCann splitting duties behind the dish.

Stassi landed on the 10-day DL with left hand inflammation prior to Friday's game against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

It's not clear as to when Stassi injured his hand, but the 26-year-old will spend some time on the shelf while recovering from this minor injury. With the return of Evan Gattis (concussion) in a corresponding move, it's unlikely that Stassi will see too much time on the field during the rest of the season, but he will likely serve as the third catcher upon his return.

Stassi went 1-for-2 with a solo homer and two walks in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Stassi's just 3-for-14 this season, but two of his hits have left the yard. The catcher also has an impressive 1:3 K:BB over that span, and should continue to get a sizable chunk of playing time with Houston battling the injury bug behind the plate.

Stassi went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, two RBI and two runs scored in Tuesday's 9-4 win over Arizona.

EDGE Analysis

Stassi, whose contract was recently selected from Triple-A Fresno, made his first start since joining the major league team, facing Arizona left-hander Anthony Banda. He showed a modicum of power in the minors, having hit 32 home runs over two-plus seasons at Fresno. The 26-year-old catcher should be in the lineup most nights when the Astros face a left-hander, serving as the right-handed hitting complement in a platoon with Juan Centeno. With both Brian McCann (knee) and Evan Gattis (concussion) on the disabled list, it's up to Stassi and Centeno to manage the pitching staff.

Stassi has his contract purchased from Triple-A Fresno on Monday, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Brian McCann (knee) and Evan Gattis (concussion) both on the shelf, Stassi will get a shot with the big club. He's slashing .266/.383/.473 with 12 homers in 241 at-bats for Fresno this season. He'll serve as the backup for Juan Centeno until Gattis or McCann return, but he should see his share of chances before he is dropped from the roster again.