Berry relieved of duties, Bagwell hired

The Astros have relieved hitting coach Sean Berry of his duties, general manager Ed Wade announced today.

Berry will be replaced by former Astros first baseman Jeff Bagwell, who has been serving as a special assistant to the general manager since his retirement in 2006. Berry, who had been the Astros hitting coach for the past five seasons, has been offered an opportunity to remain in the Astros organization.

Bagwell, who will not be in uniform for today’s 1:05 p.m. game, will begin his duties as hitting coach after the All-Star Break.

As part of his role as a special assistant, Bagwell has spent time working with minor league and Major League hitters in Spring Training and has visited several minor league clubs during the regular season to provide additional instruction. Bagwell has also assisted the baseball operations staff with player evaluations and minor league player development programs.

During his Astros career (1991-2005), Bagwell set franchise records with 449 home runs and 1,529 RBI. A four-time All-Star, Bagwell won National League Rookie of the Year honors in 1991 and the N.L. MVP Award in 1994.