Astros hire Randy Flores as general manager. Former pitcher had been assistant GM with Cardinals

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros hired St. Louis Cardinals executive Randy Flores as general manager Friday.Flores replaces Dana Brown, who was let go in August with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. The Astros also need to hire a manager this offseason — Joe Espada's contract was not renewed after the AL West champions were swept by the Chicago White Sox in their Wild Card Series.The 51-year-old Flores becomes the 15th general manager in franchise history. He had been serving as St. Louis' assistant general manager of amateur and pro acquisition.The former major league pitcher joined the Cardinals' front office as director of scouting in 2015 and spent eight seasons (2019-26) as an assistant GM with the club."Randy has had a huge impact on the Cardinals over the last 10 seasons,” Astros owner Jim Crane said in a statement. “Throughout the entire interview process we’ve been thoroughly impressed with Randy and his background in scouting and player acquisition. We’re