Astros bring back former catcher Brad Ausmus as their manager after Joe Espada exit

HOUSTON (AP) — Brad Ausmus was named manager of the Houston Astros on Wednesday.New general manager Randy Flores made the announcement, which brings the former catcher back to the place where he spent 10 years of his playing career.“We are thrilled to welcome Brad back to the Astros organization,” Flores said in a news release. “Brad impressed us throughout the interview process, demonstrating the leadership, energy, and expertise critical to driving a winning culture both on and off the field. I am excited to work alongside Brad and happy to have him back in an Astros uniform.”Ausmus said he is excited to return to Houston.“The Astros and the city of Houston have been a huge part of my life, and I’m thrilled to create a new chapter as the team’s manager,” he said. “I’d like to thank Randy and the entire Astros organization for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to get to work.”He replaces Joe Espada, whose contract wasn't renewed after the Astros were swept by the Chicago White Sox in