Stassi trying to stay prepared as he continues recovery

HOUSTON -- Now that catcher Max Stassi has cleared his head -- literally -- after suffering a concussion 10 days ago when he was hit in the face by a pitch, he's trying to do as much as he can to stay involved in game preparation on a daily basis.

Stassi, who sustained a concussion in his second Major League game on Aug. 21, is feeling much better, but still appears to be at least a few days away from returning to action. Catcher Carlos Corporan, who sustained a concussion Aug. 19 and was replaced by Stassi, is much closer to action.

Stassi has been putting some time in the video room each day to look at the opposing hitters.

"If you can't be out there or playing out there, you can always learn from that and see their strengths and weaknesses, and just listening to [starter Jason] Castro in pitcher-catcher meetings has been helpful," Stassi said. "That will help the learning curve when it's my turn go out there and play."

The biggest issue holding Stassi back is that he's feeling off balance at times.

"It's been a slow process, but I feel good," he said. "I'm learning at the Major League level and watching games and doing as much as I can in the video room."