Astros expected to hire Ausmus as next manager (source)

HOUSTON – Brad Ausmus, the longtime catcher and former Major League manager who spent the last three years as the Yankees bench coach, is flying to Houston on Thursday in anticipation of being named next manager of the Astros, a source told MLB.com on Wednesday.

The team did not confirm the report, which originated from 97.5 FM in Houston.

A respected member of the Astros for two stints that covered 10 seasons as part of an 18-year playing career, Ausmus brings five years of managerial experience, going a combined 386-422 with the Tigers (2014-17) and Angels (’19). The Angels went 72-90 under Ausmus and are looking for their fifth manager since letting him go. He led the Tigers to the AL…