NEW YORK — For at least the next 10 days, there will be far less intrigue when Max Stassi arrives to the ballpark. Manager A.J. Hinch has already acknowledged he'll overtake a majority of Brian McCann's workload while he toils on the disabled list.
A new everyday role could require more preparation, perhaps better management of his body or sleep schedule, Stassi surmised Tuesday.
He stopped himself.
"Well, actually, I do that regardless. I sleep really well."
Stassi's promotion comes out of necessity, but his offensive production and defensive improvements made it almost a foregone conclusion — something perhaps not foreseen when the season began.
He entered Tuesday night third among all American League rookies with an .896 OPS. Before he took an at-bat against veteran southpaw CC Sabathia, Stassi hit lefthanded pitching better than any player in baseball with a minimum of 30 plate appearances — 15-for-28 with a 1.402 OPS.
"(He) has swung the bat probably better than we even expected, given that he's been predominantly a soft platoon/backup player or backup catcher," manager A.J. Hinch said. "It's hard to contribute consistently in that role so I've been very happy with that. His receiving has gotten so much better over the last year or two and we're seeing it impact pitchers, seeing it impact balls and strikes, and that's a tribute to the work he's put in."
Building a rapport with the pitching staff as a backup can be difficult. Not knowing which starter he would next match up with required Stassi to pay meticulous attention to all, sitting in each pitchers' meeting with McCann and learning their intricacies.
"The thing is to really listen to your pitchers and put in the work," Stassi said. "Spend time in the video room, spend time talking to McCann, spend time talking to guys about what they like to do and not so much about what I think they should do, this and that. I want to know what gets them right."
Houston Astros' Max Stassi hits an RBI-single off Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Tyler Olson in the sixth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, May 24, 2018, in Cleveland. Carlos Correa scored on the play. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
lessHouston Astros' Max Stassi hits an RBI-single off Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Tyler Olson in the sixth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, May 24, 2018, in Cleveland. Carlos Correa scored on the play. (AP
... moreSpeaking Tuesday while McCann was en route to Houston for further medical tests, Stassi the veteran to his "big brother" — someone who's aided his progression and allowed him to come into this position he now has.
"It's been cool to see it pay off," Stassi said. "but I'm continuously trying to get better. I'm focusing on the things I need to work on."