Overview
- Espada was not in the dugout at the start of Sunday’s game because the Astros announced he was handling a family emergency and bench coach Omar López took over managerial duties.
- López told reporters he spoke briefly with Espada, said the manager was “heartbroken,” and added that Espada had been dealing with the issue for weeks.
- Without Espada in attendance, Houston blew a 6-0 lead and lost 7-6 to Oakland, a result that dropped the club to roughly .500 while it still sits atop the AL West.
- Team sources reported on Monday that Espada traveled with the club to New York and is expected to manage the series opener against the Yankees.
- The Astros fired general manager Dana Brown on Aug. 24, and reporters note Espada is in the final year of his contract, a combination that creates uncertainty about his longer-term role.