Former Houston Astros catcher and manager Brad Ausmus is rejoining the franchise, according to a report from SB Nation. The move reunites Ausmus with the organization where he spent ten seasons as a player from 1997 to 2006, but his return may be complicated by his relationship with franchise icon Jeff Bagwell.
A photograph from February 8, 2006, shows Ausmus sitting courtside at a Houston Rockets game alongside former teammates Craig Biggio and Bagwell, highlighting the trio's long history together. While Biggio and Bagwell have remained prominent figures in the Astros' post-playing careers, Ausmus has managed in the majors with the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels before this latest appointment.
The nature of Ausmus's new role with the Astros was not specified in the initial report. However, the suggestion that Bagwell could represent his "biggest problem" hints at potential organizational dynamics or philosophical differences between the two former teammates as they navigate a renewed professional relationship.
