You're locked in to Sports Desk, let's get into it.
In Houston, the managerial search appears to be over. Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus is flying to Houston with the expectation of being named the next Astros manager, confirmed by multiple reporters. It's a significant hire for a franchise looking to reload after a turbulent stretch.
Meanwhile in Minnesota, the Twins aren't wasting any time on the hot stove. The club is actively engaged in bringing catcher Ryan Jeffers back, even as his qualifying offer decision looms within days. Jeffers drew serious trade deadline interest from multiple teams, which tells you exactly how much leverage he carries heading into these negotiations.
And a concerning update out of Pittsburgh — Mitch Keller's season-ending injury was far worse than anyone let on. The Pirates righty suffered a Grade three teres major strain, meaning the muscle completely detached from the bone. The remarkable news is that Keller avoided surgery entirely, but Pittsburgh's rotation planning this offseason just got a whole lot more complicated.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
