WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- Astros third base coach Gary Pettis, who is recovering well from his bout with multiple myeloma, will join the Astros Major League club during the regular season. Pettis was originally scheduled to join the Astros in Spring Training. The delay is not related to the physical progress of his recovery.

“I’m doing very well, but my doctors felt that due to some potential logistical issues caused by the ongoing pandemic, it made sense for me to continue with my treatments here at home,” Pettis said. “They are being cautious with me, which I understand. I’m doing great and will be back with the ballclub, but it will be later than we had thought.”

“While it’s disappointing for all of us not to have Gary reporting to camp as anticipated, we’re encouraged by his progress thus far,” General Manager James Click said. “Undertaking the workload of a Major League schedule – especially when compounded by a pandemic – is a lot for any of us and obviously Gary’s health is paramount. We’re going to continue to keep him fully engaged with our team while he’s away and we can’t wait for him to rejoin us in person.”

Pettis, who has served as the Astros third base coach since 2015, left the team late in September of 2020 after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He reunited with the Astros on October 16-17 to watch Games 6 and 7 of the American League Championship Series vs. Tampa Bay in San Diego from one of the suites in the ballpark.