Astros rumors: Bob Nightengale warns Joe Espada of impending doom

With the Houston Astros going through a rough start to the season, there have been rumblings around the job security of manager Joe Espada, especially after some firings around the majors this season. As there have been rumors around the Astros and Espada, this MLB insider has given insight into the matter.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Espada “may be in increasing danger with each passing day” when it comes to his role as manager with Houston.

“Houston Astros manager Joe Espada’s job may be in increasing danger with each passing day,” Nightengale wrote.

After the firings of Boston Red Sox’s Alex Cora and Philadelphia Phillies’ Rob Thomson, people were looking to see if the Astros would do the same after the slow start. Nightengale reported on May 3 that Espada “could be the next manager dismissed.”

“Now that Carlos Mendoza has been informed that his job is safe for the time being, Houston Astros manager Joe Espada could be the next manager dismissed amid the Astros’ struggles,” Nightengale wrote.

Astros’ general manager Dana Brow defends manager Joe Espada

While Nightengale reports that Espada’s job is in danger, general manager Dana Brown has stood firmly behind the skipper, crediting the struggles of the Astros on injuries and pitching. Plus, Brown would speak on the benefit of having Brown as a “calming influence.”

“One of the values of Joe Espada is the calming influence. He’s even-keeled. You’re not going to see him blow up at players and get guys more on edge,” Brown said.

“He’s going to quietly lead these guys individually — and he’ll do it as a group if he has to — and get these guys back on the mark,” Brown continued. “I think players appreciate that. When you’re like that, at the end of the day, players start to pull back and say, ‘OK, let me take it day by day, let me not put too much pressure on myself.’”

At any rate, it remains to be seen what the Astros do with Espada, as the team currently has a 19-28 record, putting them fourth in the AL Central.

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