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Report: Astros manager, GM at odds

Tensions are running high between Houston Astros manager Bo Porter and general manager Jeff Luhnow due to a lack of communication, according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

Citing multiple major-league sources, the report claims the rocky relationship came to a head last month during a meeting between Porter and owner Jim Crane. 

It's believed that Porter is frustrated over what he perceives as a pattern of second-guessing from his boss and a lack of communication within the club's front office. From Rosenthal:

Those critical of Luhnow say that he keeps a small circle, communicating mostly with director of decision sciences Sig Mejdal and others while rarely consulting the team’s on-field staff, executive advisor Nolan Ryan and special assistant to the GM Craig Biggio.

Houston entered weekend play with the fourth-worst record in baseball, one year removed from its third straight 100-loss season. The Astros haven't appeared in the playoffs since they were swept by the Chicago White Sox in the 2005 World Series.

The report questions whether Porter and Luhnow's relationship can be salvaged, especially after the handling of 2013 top pick Mark Appel's bullpen session earlier this year. 

An unannounced visit by Appel to Houston prior to his promotion contributed to the friction between Luhnow and Porter, sources said; Luhnow initially did not make Porter aware that Appel would throw a bullpen session for pitching coach Brent Strom. Porter then had to explain the situation to his players, a number of whom were seething, believing that Appel did not warrant his promotion and was receiving special treatment.

Luhnow and Crane both declined to comment on the report, as did Porter, who said, "My focus is on managing and finishing the season strong."

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