HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have made two additions and several promotions in their Research & Development department, President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Jeff Luhnow announced today.

Ehsan Bokhari has joined the Astros as Director, R&D, where he will lead the organization's R&D department. Bokhari joins the Astros from the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he has spent the last four seasons as a senior analyst in the club's Research and Development department. Bokhari joined the Dodgers in 2015 as one of the original members of the organization's R&D staff, helping the club reach four National League West Division titles and two National League pennants. Prior to joining the Dodgers, Bokhari spent a year as a visiting assistant professor in the Department of Statistics at the University of Illinois. He earned his undergraduate degrees in psychology and mathematics at the University of Arizona in 2011, and received his master's in statistics and a PhD in quantitative psychology from the University of Illinois in 2014.

Sarah Gelles has been hired as Program Manager, R&D. Gelles has spent the last eight seasons working for the Baltimore Orioles, including the last three seasons as Director of Analytics & Major League contracts. With the Orioles, Gelles oversaw the club's analytics department, led the development of internal baseball operations systems, handled Major League roster management and rules compliance, and assisted with player acquisitions and negotiations. Before her time with the Orioles, Gelles worked for the Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates and Major League Baseball's Labor Relations Department.

Colin Wyers was promoted from Manager, R&D, to Senior Architect, R&D. In his new role, Wyers will lead the Astros efforts in the design of large-scale systems and infrastructure, and will work closely with Director, R&D, Ehsan Bokhari on the overall direction of the R&D department. Wyers joined the Astros in the fall of 2013 as a mathematical modeler. Before working for the Astros, Wyers was the Director of Statistical Operations for Baseball Prospectus, and a writer for The Hardball Times.

Ryan Ferguson has been promoted to Senior Analyst, R&D. Ferguson joined the Astros as Analyst, R&D, in 2016 following a stint as a Cognitive Scientist at Air Force Research Labs in San Antonio, Texas. Ferguson earned his PhD in Cognitive Psychology from Arizona State University, where he focused his studies on Alzheimer's diagnostics, team coordination, expertise, and eyewitness memory. Prior to joining the Astros, Ferguson taught classes on memory at the University of Texas-San Antonio.

Catherine Cage has been promoted to Manager of Research, R&D. Cage joined the Astros as Analyst, R&D, in January of 2017 following an internship with the Washington Nationals. She received her master's degree in statistics from the University of Florida and her bachelor's degree in mathematics from Texas Tech University. Prior to working in baseball, Cage worked for the MD Anderson Cancer Center and was a statistical analyst at BioStat Solutions, Inc.

Ryan Hallahan is entering a new role with the Astros as a software development consultant, as he and his family transition into careers in ministry. Previously the club's Senior Architect, R&D, Hallahan joined the Astros in 2012 and has been an integral part of the club's success over his seven seasons.

-ASTROS-



Read more: Houston Astros