DETROIT — Detroit Tigers third base coach Joey Cora has left the club in the middle of his third season on the job because of what manager A.J. Hinch describes as “philosophical differences.”

Hinch, who discussed the decision before Tuesday night’s game between the Tigers and Athletics, says he and Cora agreed it’s best for the players and everybody to separate.”

Cora is the older brother of former Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who was fired earlier this season. Hinch says first-year coaching staff member Billy Boyer will take over as third base coach.

Cora was known for challenging opposing fielders by signaling runners to aggressively take extra bases. Hinch says that won’t change.

Burrows down

WASHINGTON — The Houston Astros have optioned right-hander Mike Burrows to Triple-A Sugar Land.

The Astros made the move Tuesday, a day after Burrows allowed a career-high 10 runs in a 12-11 loss to the Washington Nationals. Burrows is 4-9 with a 5.99 ERA. He shares the major league lead in losses and is tied for third in home runs allowed with 21.

He gave up two homers on Monday while becoming the first Astro to give up 10 runs since J.P. France did so against Boston on Aug. 24, 2023. The 26-year-old also has pitched a team-high 94ª innings.