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Albert Pujols to Interview for Astros' Managerial Job
Future Hall of Fame first baseman Albert Pujols will interview for the Houston Astros' managerial vacancy on Thursday, sources told Alden Gonzalez of ESPN. The Astros named former St. Louis Cardinals executive Randy Flores as their new general manager five days ago. Flores spent eight years in the big leagues before joining St. Louis' front office, with five of those years spent as Pujols' teammate in St. Louis, including a World Series championship in 2006. Pujols has made it clear that he has a desire to manage in the big leagues, and he won a championship in the Dominican winter league in his first season leading the Leones del Escogido in January of 2025 while also serving as the skipper for the Dominican Republic in this year's World Baseball Classic, where his squad lost to the United States in the semifinals. Pujols was a finalist for the managerial openings in the last hiring cycle with the Los Angeles Angels and San Diego Padres. New York Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus is also among those being considered by the Astros for their managerial position.
Source: ESPN.com - Alden Gonzalez
Source: ESPN.com - Alden Gonzalez
Mike Rizzo Interviewing For Astros General Manager Job
Former Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo is interviewing for the vacant Houston Astros general manager role, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. As general manager of the Nationals, Rizzo built up the franchise and led Washington to its first-ever World Series title in 2019, defeating the Houston Astros. Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez were fired in 2025, ending Rizzo's 19-year tenure with the franchise. Rizzo was considered for the Athletics job in a similar role this offseason, but withdrew his name from consideration to focus on the Astros position, according to Nightengale.
Source: Bob Nightengale, USA Today
Source: Bob Nightengale, USA Today
Joe Espada Will Not Return as Astros Manager in 2027
The Houston Astros announced on Wednesday that Joe Espada will not return as the team's manager in 2027. Espada took over in Houston in 2024 and led the Astros to a 256-229 record across his three years at the helm. The Astros won two American League West division crowns under Espada, but failed to win a single postseason game. Houston has also gotten progressively worse over the last three seasons, winning 88 games in 2024, 87 games in 2025, and 81 games this past season. Espada has already met with the Seattle Mariners about their managerial vacancy, so he could remain in the AL West.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Yordan Alvarez is Hopeful to Play on Sunday
According to Chandler Rome, Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said the team is hopeful that outfielder Yordan Alvarez (ankle) will be back in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Alvarez missed his second straight game on Saturday after sustaining an ankle injury during Thursday's contest. It sounds like a minor issue that isn't going to require Alvarez to land on the Injured List. Fantasy managers will need to check back ahead of the first pitch for another update on Alvarez. Yainer Diaz served as the designated hitter during Saturday's loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. The expectation is that Diaz would remain there if Alvarez is unable to play.
Source: Chandler Rome
Source: Chandler Rome
Yordan Alvarez Hits Two More Homers in Loss to Rangers
Houston Astros outfielder/designated hitter Yordan Alvarez was at it again in the team's 10-7 loss to the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on Tuesday night, going 2-for-5 at the plate with two home runs, four RBI, and two strikeouts. Alvarez is now hitting .303 on the season with a 1.045 OPS as one of the best hitters in the game. The 28-year-old left-handed slugger mashed a three-run blast in the third inning and a solo shot in the eighth, but the Astros' comeback attempt fell short. Fantasy managers were a bit worried when Alvarez missed Sunday's contest with a back injury, but he only missed one game and has hit three homers in two games since returning to the lineup. It's been nice to see Alvarez bounce back in 2026 after an injury-plagued 2025 campaign. In addition to his .303 average and 1.045 OPS, he has a .414 on-base percentage, .631 slugging percentage, 18 home runs, 37 RBI, 34 runs scored, and a stolen base across 55 games. Alvarez also ranks in the 93rd percentile in hard-hit rate, the 100th percentile in xwOBA, and the 100th percentile in expected slugging, so the underlying metrics absolutely support his strong season at the plate.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Yordan Alvarez Returns From Back Injury on Monday
Houston Astros outfielder/designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (back) is serving as the DH and is batting third in Monday's series opener against the hosting Texas Rangers and right-hander Kumar Rocker, according to MLB.com. Alvarez ended up missing just one game on Sunday against the Chicago Cubs due to back discomfort. Now that the 28-year-old Cuban left-handed slugger is back in the mix, he needs to be returned to all starting lineups in traditional fantasy leagues. Alvarez, a three-time All-Star and former American League Rookie of the Year, remains one of baseball's best all-around hitters, slashing .300/.415/.595 this year while leading the league in OPS (1.010) and total bases (113) in 53 games played. He has added 15 home runs, 31 RBI, 31 runs scored, and a stolen base across 229 plate appearances. Alvarez is in the 100th percentile in xwOBA, the 100th percentile in expected slugging percentage, and the 92nd percentile in hard-hit rate. The dude is an absolute stud. He has never faced Rocker in his career.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Yordan Alvarez Exits Early with Back Spasms
Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (back) was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's game against the Chicago Cubs. Alvarez showed discomfort when swinging the bat in the on-deck circle during the sixth inning. He was ultimately pulled from the contest due to back spasms. He finished Saturday's game going 0-for-2 at the plate with a run scored and a walk. The Astros have already said that Alvarez won't play on Sunday, that it was his scheduled rest day anyway. This appears to be a day-to-day type of issue, so fantasy managers shouldn't be too alarmed. Fantasy managers will need to check back for an update on his status ahead of Monday's series opener against the Texas Rangers.
Source: Brian McTaggart
Source: Brian McTaggart
