--INF Edwin Maysonet, battling for a bench job, has been slowed by a right ankle sprain. He could return to action March 14.

--C J.R. Towles, who earned a spot on last year's Opening Day roster as a rookie, is doing a solid job in spring after struggling in the majors and landing in Class AAA for most of the 2008 season.

"He's working on his approach offensively and he's making progress," assistant GM Ricky Bennett said. "We're hoping that we see results as we go through spring training. It's still early in the spring, and those decisions will be made as we wind down and get closer to the regular season."

--Although it seems as though 3B Chris Johnson's chances of making the Opening Day roster are slim, it hasn't been ruled out.

"We're keeping an open mind on how he performs in camp," assistant GM Ricky Bennett said. "And if he shows us that he's physically and mentally ready for the big leagues, we will give a strong consideration."

--The Astros added some minor league depth by signing LHP reliever Neal Musser, who had been designated for assignment by the Royals on Feb. 19. Musser, who was 2-5 with a 4.45 ERA over 36 games at Class AAA Omaha last year, isn't likely to make the Astros' 25-man roster.

--OF Carlos Lee, the all-time home run and RBI leader among players from Panama, was 0-for-2 for his national team against the Astros on March 5.

"He's having a great time with Team Panama," Lee's wife told the Houston Chronicle.

--Although RHP Brad James and RHP Sergio Perez were both born in the United States, they were loaned to Team Panama on March 5 for the exhibition against the Astros. They stepped up and each delivered a scoreless frame against their Astros teammates.

"The guy I was impressed with was Brad James," manager Cecil Cooper told the Houston Chronicle. "I'm glad to see that he threw a lot of sinkers, and he looked good. He had a nice arm slot, and I'm very happy to see that for the kid. He's had some struggles early, and I'm glad to see him get in the game and throw well. And Perez threw very well."

James was optioned to Class AAA Round Rock on March 10. In two official Grapefruit League appearances, he had a 13.50 ERA.

--RHP Doug Brocail, who battled shoulder tendinitis and a groin problem early in camp, made his first appearance of the spring. He threw a scoreless inning against Team Panama on March 5. Although that outing doesn't count in the official spring stats, it was a good sign for the Astros to get the veteran back in game action.

--RHP Chris Sampson, who is still recovering from the elbow surgery he had in October, threw 40 pitches off a mound on March 5.

If he doesn't have a setback when he throws a 50-pitch bullpen session on March 7, Sampson will likely pitch in a Grapefruit League game early the following week.

"I felt good and am on schedule," he told the Houston Chronicle. "It's another step. (Manager Cecil Cooper) said he'll put me back in the general population with all the other guys, which is very exciting. Hopefully I'll be game-ready as soon as possible."

--C Lou Palmisano, whom the Astros acquired last December after the Orioles took him in the Rule 5 draft, was scratched from the March 5 game because of flu-like symptoms that prompted the trainers to send him home.

--OF Brian Bogusevic, who was converted from a pitcher last summer, is turning heads in camp. "He's got great aptitude, work ethic and determination to be a good center fielder. We feel he will only get better as he matures as a hitter," assistant GM Ricky Bennett said.

BY THE NUMBERS: 4 -- Front-line Astros players participating in the World Baseball Classic: RHP Roy Oswalt, SS Miguel Tejada, OF Carlos Lee and RHP LaTroy Hawkins.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Fighting, you're putting your life on the line for freedom, where as we're just playing baseball for the respect for our game. It's a big difference as far as that, but we're still representing our country. If it weren't for the guys doing the fighting, we wouldn't be able to do this, so it's an honor just to put on the United States' jersey. It's an honor." -- Astros and Team USA ace Roy Oswalt, on playing for his country.