BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJOR LEAGUES : Union: Astros’ 26-Game Trip Too Long

In a move that could disrupt planning for the Republican National Convention, the Major League Baseball Players Assn. filed a grievance to block the Houston Astros’ 26-game trip next season.

The Houston Sports Assn., which owns the Astrodome and the Astros, rented the stadium to the Republican National Committee from July 27 to Aug. 23 without prior permission from the National League. The Republican convention is scheduled for Aug. 17-20, but organizers say they needed additional time to set up facilities.

The union claims the 28-day trip violates the collective bargaining agreement and NL Rule 2 (n) (1), which states: “The National League schedule shall not be altered to accommodate the presentation of any other event, whether scheduled or special, and the National League clubs individually shall make all commitments for such other events and exhibitions subject to the National League schedule, whether or not the schedule has been drawn.”