Five seasons of major-league managing have shaped his return to the dugout.
Brad Ausmus spent 10 seasons with Houston in two stints as a catcher during his 18-year playing career. Now he is returning to the organization in a different capacity, with the Astros announcing his hiring as manager on Wednesday. Ausmus will have an introductory press conference Friday at Daikin Park.
His last job was as bench coach for the New York Yankees, the role he occupied during the last three seasons. Prior to joining their coaching staffs, Ausmus managed Detroit from 2014 to 2017 and the Los Angeles Angels in 2019, with a combined record of 386-422.
Detroit achieved a playoff appearance and the AL Central title in his first season as manager in 2014. His second winning season in four years with the Tigers came in 2016, when the team again finished with 86 wins.
In Houston, Ausmus will be taking over a team whose organization already knows him from baseball on the field. General manager Randy Flores said the club was impressed with his leadership qualities and baseball knowledge all along the interview process. The organization hopes those qualities will guide it in the right direction under his leadership.
Ausmus' prior experience is extensive on both sides of the game, from 18 seasons as a major league catcher to five seasons managing in the majors. His return provides Houston with a manager familiar with the organization and experienced in leading two other clubs.