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Houston • The struggling Houston Astros have fired manager Brad Mills and two members of his coaching staff.
Mills was in his third season as manager of the Astros, who have the worst record in the major leagues. The team announced the moves in an email almost two hours after it lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks 12-4 on Saturday to fall to 39-82.
Houston also fired hitting coach Mike Barnett and first base coach Bobby Meacham. The Astros say first-year general manager Jeff Luhnow will name an interim manager and other staff members in a news conference Sunday morning.
Mills became the first manager to be fired this season. He was 76-86 in his first season with Houston and 56-106 last year.
Around the majors
Braves • Atlanta catcher Brian McCann has a cyst and a frayed labrum in his right shoulder. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said McCann is "fine" and will start on Sunday.
Rockies • Colorado placed outfielder Carlos Gonzalez on the bereavement list after the death of his grandfather in Venezuela. He will be eligible to rejoin the team in New York on Tuesday.
Cubs • According to ESPN, sources close to Starlin Castro say the Chicago shortstop has agreed to a seven-year, $60-million contract extension. Cubs president Theo Epstein said the deal has not been finalized as of Saturday.