Joe Espada introduced as manager of Astros, replacing Dusty Baker, who retired last month

HOUSTON (AP) — Joe Espada took a leave of absence as bench coach of the Houston Astros last year to spend time with his father when he fell ill with heart complications. “I almost lost him while I was there,” Espada said. “And I asked God that day just to let him stay with me...

Astros will promote bench coach Joe Espada to be manager, replacing Dusty Baker, AP source says

HOUSTON (AP) — Joe Espada will be introduced as manager of the Houston Astros on Monday, a person familiar with the hiring told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because the team hadn’t announced the decision. The Astros have a news...

Joe Espada will be introduced as manager of the Houston Astros on Monday, replacing Dusty Baker, AP source says

Dusty Baker Appreciation: An example of care and humility on the baseball diamond and far beyond

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The bright smile stayed true through every challenge Dusty Baker faced in life on the baseball diamond and away from it. Baker’s genuine care and love for people will live on in his remarkable legacy as much as that signature toothpick, his sports wisdom and...

Dusty Baker hopes to find a new calling after retiring as Astros manager

HOUSTON (AP) — As Dusty Baker officially ended one notable chapter in his illustrious career, he said Thursday he feels an obligation to do more around the game with his next one. Baker, 74, confirmed his retirement at a press conference following his fourth season managing the...

Dusty Baker tells newspaper he is retiring as manager of the Houston Astros

HOUSTON (AP) — Dusty Baker has retired as manager of the Houston Astros, ending an illustrious 26-year career as a big league skipper highlighted by a World Series win last season. Baker broke the news in an interview with USA Today. “I’m very grateful and...

Faced with injuries and an improving AL West, Astros were ‘playing from behind the whole season'

HOUSTON (AP) — Coming a win shy of reaching the World Series would be considered a successful season for most teams. Not for the defending champion Houston Astros, who lost all four home games of the AL Championship Series to the Texas Rangers and came up short in their quest for a...

Cristian Javier struggles as Houston Astros lose to Texas Rangers in ALCS Game 7

HOUSTON (AP) — Cristian Javier got one out, and J.P. France got two. That marked the end of Houston's title defense. Playing a Game 7 in Space City, the Astros never even took off. Javier flopped in an abbreviated postseason start and France had a rocky relief...

Abreu gives up 2-run homer in Astros' Game 7 loss after suspension upheld but pushed to next year

HOUSTON (AP) — Bryan Abreu gave up Nathaniel Lowe's two-run homer in the Houston Astros' 11-4 loss to the Texas Rangers in Game 7 of the AL Championship Series on Monday night after his two-game suspension for intentionally throwing at Adolis García delayed until the start of next season. ...

Astros reliever Abreu appeals suspension for throwing at García, pitches in Game 6 of ALCS

HOUSTON (AP) — Astros reliever Bryan Abreu pitched in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series on Sunday night after appealing the two-game suspension he was given by Major League Baseball for intentionally throwing at Adolis García of the Texas Rangers in the previous game. Abreu's...