Cubs interview Espada

NEW YORK — Houston bench coach Joe Espada interviewed for the Chicago Cubs’ managerial opening Monday while the Astros traveled to New York for Game 3 of the American League Championship Series.

“We’re very respectful of the task at hand and what we’re trying to do,” said Astros manager A.J. Hinch, whose team canceled an optional workout at Yankee Stadium on Monday night after its 11-inning win in Game 2 and a late arrival to New York. “We also want to make sure that any of our people are given the opportunities for these special circumstances and these jobs that are rare.”

Espada is one of four known interviewees for the Cubs vacancy, created when the club parted ways with veteran skipper Joe Maddon on the final day of the regular season. Former Yankees manager Joe Girardi interviewed last week, as did former Cubs catcher David Ross. Fired Phillies manager Gabe Kapler is scheduled to interview this week.

Espada, 44, is a trendy managerial candidate for the second straight offseason. He interviewed for at least three openings after last season, his first on Hinch’s bench.

Espada replaced Alex Cora, who left the Astros to manage the Boston Red Sox, after the 2017 season. Espada served as the Yankees’ third-base coach and spent eight years in the Marlins organization prior to his Astros tenure.

“He’s a really good baseball man. He’s smart. He’s got leadership qualities,” Hinch said. “Any team that wants to consider him is heading down the right path. He’s incredible for us.”