Convenience Big Store: With José Abreu gone, what's the next move for Astros' GM Dana Brown?

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We could see this day coming — the release of first baseman José Abreu — but had always hoped the slugger would regain his stroke.

When Dana Brown finally made the move, which was both necessary and costly, the reaction from the clubhouse was unanimous. "It sucks, man."

Abreu's release, however, meant an opportunity for Cooper Hummel, who got the call up. "I've been smiling, I've been crying," he said.

And with the trade deadline now six weeks away, what is Dana Brown's next move?

On the field, the Astros pitched a shutout against the Tigers as Hunter Brown had a strong start for seven innings.

Switching to college baseball, Texas A&M opens CWS play against Florida. Brent Zwerneman looks at what drives coach Jim Schlossnagle and the Aggies.

Saturday will be a busy day for Houston's other pro teams as the Dynamo, Dash and SaberCats are all in action.

Stat of the day: .124. José Abreu's batting average in 35 games this season.

Reid Laymance, Sports Editor

Astros / José Abreu released

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Staff Photographer

Astros general manager Dana Brown was open about his continued belief that his team will climb back into the race and he will be a buyer at the trade deadline.

'It just didn't work out this time': The Astros are moving on from José Abreu and his $58.5 million contract after the first baseman could never regain his form at the plate.
'It sucks, man': José Abreu was well-respected in the Astros clubhouse, so Friday was a sad day for his teammates.
'I've been smiling. I've been crying.': Cooper Hummel gets his first call to the majors to fill the opening on Astros roster.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Staff Photographer

The Astros scored four runs in the sixth and Hunter Brown threw seven scoreless innings to beat the Tigers.

Not ready: Kyle Tucker hasn't played since June 3 after taking a ball off the shin and hasn't resumed any baseball activities in workouts.

Photo by: Hilary Scheinuk/Associated Press

Texas A&M coach Jim Schlossnagle wants to win school's first baseball title. 'It drives me every day.'

Texas A&M's Evan Aschenbeck named nation's top reliever: Evan Aschenbeck was named the nation's best reliever after going 6-1 with a nation-best 1.66 ERA and an SEC-best nine saves.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

The United States men's national cricket team has advanced to the Super 8 round of the 2024 T20 World Cup after Friday's game against Ireland was washed out.