DeFrancesco hopes to be part of Porter's staff

CHICAGO -- Prior to leading the Astros in Wednesday's series finale against the Cubs, interim manager Tony DeFrancesco said he was proud of his body of work and hopes to be able to remain on the Major League staff next year when Bo Porter takes over as manager.

The Astros have promised DeFrancesco, who was managing at Triple-A Oklahoma City, a chance to remain in the organization, but his role will be determined later.

"I would love to stay with the Major League staff, and that's up to [general manager] Jeff [Luhnow], Bo and [owner] Jim [Crane], whatever direction they want to go," DeFrancesco said. "I talked to Jeff about being a team player, and I'm hoping I just get an opportunity in the organization somewhere."

DeFrancesco has 18 years managerial experience in the Minor Leagues, going 1,235-1,088 before taking over for Brad Mills in August. He spent most of his career in the Oakland organization, serving as third-base coach in 2008 at the Major League level.

He entered Wednesday's game with a 16-24 record with the Astros, which is impressive when you consider he lost 10 of his first 11 games as manager.

"It's something I'm always going to remember," he said. "I'm proud to be a part of it, and I'm excited that today's the last day to finish the chapter now. I think it's going to be a good chapter down the road, and I think there's a good future for me with the Astros. I'm excited to be a part of it."