The Astros, initiating a major overhaul, have fired general manager Tim Purpura and manager Phil Garner, according to a major-league source.
The move comes just two years after the pair took the team to the first World Series in franchise history.The Astros have called a news conference at 3 p.m. ET to announce the change.
Owner Drayton McLane expected the team to contend after signing left fielder Carlos Lee to a $100 million free-agent contract and adding starting pitchers Woody Williams and Jason Jennings.
Instead, the Astros are 58-73, tied with the Nationals for the third-worst record in the National League, ahead of only the Pirates and Marlins.
Bench coach Cecil Cooper will be the team's interim manager.
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