Espada, Kapler receive callbacks from Giants

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants appear to be moving closer to naming Bruce Bochy’s successor.

Astros bench coach Joe Espada and former Phillies manager Gabe Kapler are among the managerial candidates who will reportedly be brought back for second-round interviews with the Giants. Third-base coach Ron Wotus, meanwhile, has been informed that he is no longer in the running for the position, according to Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic.

Espada told reporters on Sunday that he will receive another interview with the Giants after the conclusion of the World Series. The Astros currently hold a 3-2 series lead over the Nationals, with Game 6 scheduled to take place in Houston on Tuesday.

Espada flew to San Francisco on Thursday for his first in-person interview with the Giants and met with president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi, CEO Larry Baer and other front office members. He has also spoken to team officials once over the phone.

Kapler’s second-round interview with the Giants is believed to be scheduled for Monday, according to SiriusXM’s Craig Mish. Kapler is the only known candidate with previous managerial experience in the Majors, but he was dismissed earlier this month after two disappointing seasons with the Phillies.

The Giants’ initial pool of candidates reportedly included bench coach Hensley Meulens, A’s quality control coach Mark Kotsay, Cubs first-base coach Will Venable, Rays bench coach Matt Quatraro, Royals quality control and catching coach Pedro Grifol, Kapler, Espada and Wotus. It’s unclear who else remains in the mix, but the field is expected to be narrowed down to three or four contenders in the final round, which will include meetings with ownership.