Maxwell's rehab struggles won't impact starting job

SEATTLE -- Justin Maxwell's rehab assignment numbers with Double-A Corpus Christi may not reflect those of the Astros' 2012 home run leader, but manager Bo Porter is more concerned with health as the center fielder recovers from a broken left hand suffered on April 24.

Maxwell is 0-for-17 with eight strikeouts and a walk in five games. He had eight extra-base hits and a .234 average in 20 games before landing on the disabled list.

"When you start talking injury-wise, you just want to make sure that physically, the guy is able to perform and he's not having any setbacks from a health standpoint," Porter said. "I'm not worried about any other aspects."

Maxwell's absence has meant more playing time for the struggling Jimmy Paredes, who is 5-for-40 with 16 strikeouts in his past 14 games. Paredes was called up on May 6 from Triple-A Oklahoma City to bolster Houston's outfield depth.

Porter said Maxwell's starting spot will be waiting for him upon his return to the Astros.