The World Series is shifting to Washington, D.C., for Game 3 on Friday, but Astros bench coach Joe Espada’s travel schedule will include a brief detour to San Francisco. 

Espada was to spend Thursday’s off-day interviewing with the Giants for their managerial opening, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. It will mark the first in-person interview for Espada, who had already spoken once with the Giants over the phone. The club has not confirmed or commented on the report.

Espada, 44, has emerged as a popular managerial candidate in recent years and received a second interview with the Cubs before they decided to hire David Ross to be their new manager. The Pirates have also expressed interest in talking to Espada about their vacancy. 

A second-round Draft pick of the A’s in 1996, Espada was an infielder who appeared in 40 games for Triple-A Sacramento during his 10-year playing career. He has experience managing in the Puerto Rican Winter League and has worked as a Major League coach for the Marlins, Yankees and Astros. 

Espada has spent the past two seasons serving as AJ Hinch’s bench coach, a position that’s viewed as a bit of a launching pad for aspiring managers. Espada’s predecessor, Alex Cora, became the Red Sox manager two years ago and led Boston to a World Series title in 2018. 

Espada’s current duties with the Astros include overseeing the club’s infield positioning -- a challenging task considering the frequency of Houston’s defensive shifts. 

In addition to Espada, the Giants reportedly are considering A’s quality control coach Mark Kotsay, former Phillies manager Gabe Kapler, Cubs bench coach Will Venable, Rays bench coach Matt Quatraro and Royals quality control coach Pedro Grifol. Two internal candidates -- bench coach Hensley Meulens and third-base coach Ron Wotus -- have also interviewed for the position.