Brown out as GM of 1st-place Astros after skid

Dana Brown is out as Houston Astros general manager, the team announced Monday. Brown's contract was set to expire at the end of this season. He had served as the Astros GM since Jan. 26, 2023. Brown's responsibilities will be assumed by Astros assistant GMs Charles Cook, Gavin Dickey and Connor Huff, and to senior adviser Jeff Bagwell. Astros owner and chairman Jim Crane will oversee baseball operations through the transition period. "Over the past four seasons, Dana has helped our organization win two division titles and has led our baseball front office through key scouting, draft and development efforts," Crane said in a statement. "On behalf of the Astros, I want to thank him for his commitment, energy, and contributions to our organization. We wish he and his family the best." The Astros are currently in first place in the AL West, but with a 65-66 record. They have lost six of their past eight games. "I want to thank Jim Crane for the opportunity to serve in my first role as an MLB General Manager," Brown said via statement. "The Astros organization and the fans have welcomed me and my family, and I am grateful to have called Houston home for the past four seasons. I wish the organization well and I look forward to the future as I continue my 36-plus years in professional baseball."