Some news from the home town club today.

The Astros have designated Jason Smith for assignment and called up Alberto Arias. I don’t think anyone saw this one coming…okay, that is sarcasm. Arias is a much needed arm for our ailing bullpen.

On a much more serious note, Astros‘ hitting coach Sean Berry has a tumor on his kidney:

“Astros hitting coach Sean Berry has what doctors believe is a cancerous tumor on his kidney and plans to have it removed in the next few days.

Berry had experienced bleeding for the past few days while Houston was on a road trip and figured he was simply passing kidney stones. The tumor was found on his right kidney during a consultation with a doctor on Wednesday and another visit is set for Thursday to schedule the procedure.

Berry played 11 major league seasons, including three for the Astros. He joined the organization as a minor league coach in 2003.”

Hopefully the surgery will go well for Sean. I wish he and his family the best.