Jason Castro Placed On Paternity List, Max Stassi Recalled

The Houston Astros have placed Jason Castro on the Paternity List and recalled catcher Max Stassi from Triple-A Fresno, effective immediately.

The Astros have placed C Jason Castro on the paternity list and have recalled C Max Stassi from Triple A.

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) May 10, 2016

Castro has recently seen several of his offensive metrics rise, as his performance on the offensive side of the plate has taken great strides recently to accompany his already-elite defense.  There has not been an official word (that this writer is aware of) as to the cause of being placed on the Paternity List at this juncture, but it is safe to assume his presence will be missed behind the plate by Astros pitchers for the (likely short) period he's absent.  Best wishes to he and his family at this time from everyone here at The Crawfish Boxes.

Max Stassi was recently activated from the disabled list in Triple-A after suffering an injury to his hamate in Spring Training.  He has only been active for four games and has a 6.7% walk rate compared to a 40% strike out rate in Triple-A so far this year.  In 2015, he had a 7.9% walk rate and a 28.4% strikeout rate with Triple-A Fresno.  He posted a 73 wRC+ with a .295 wOBA, .211/.279/.384 slash line, thirteen home runs, and a .173 ISO for the Grizzlies last season.

Stassi is a very highly regarded defender, especially with regards to his pitch presentation, who was widely expected to be the Astros' Opening Day second catcher before his injury set him back.