GIRARDI TO PHILLIES
Ex-Yankees manager, who met with Cubs, signs three-year deal,
The Phillies hired former Yankees manager Joe Girardi to replace the fired Gabe Kapler on Thursday. Girardi, who will be introduced at a news conference Monday, was one of the most prominent candidates to fill vacant managerial spots across baseball and also interviewed with the Cubs and Mets.
Kapler was released after an injury-depleted team went 81-81 despite significant offseason additions, including coveted free-agent slugger Bryce Harper. He was 161-163 in his two seasons. The Phillies also interviewed Dusty Baker and Buck Showalter.
Girardi, 55, succeeded Joe Torre after the 2007 season and spent a decade with the Yankees, leading them to their 27th World Series title in 2009 against the Phillies. He was 910-710 with the Yankees — the sixth-most wins in team history. The Phillies haven’t had a winning season since 2011.
♦ The Padres reportedly have hired Jayce Tingler, 38, the Rangers’ field coordinator for majorleague player development, as their new manager after 13 straight seasons without making the playoffs. They haven’t had a winning record in nine years. Tingler’s only previous managerial experience has been at the lowest rungs. He replaces Andy Green, who was blamed for the Padres’ second-half collapse and fired with eight games left in the season.
♦ White Sox second baseman Yolmer Sanchez, who rebounded from a rough start in the field but finished strong, was nominated for a Gold Glove Award. Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito was also one of three nominees at his position in the American League.
♦ Yankees center fielder Aaron Hicks, who injured his right throwing elbow Aug. 3 but returned for the postseason, will have Tommy John surgery and is expected to be out eight to 10 months.
MISCELLANEOUS 25-game suspension for Suns’ Ayton
Suns center Deandre Ayton will miss 25 games without pay for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy by testing positive for a diuretic. The first overall pick last year, Ayton averaged 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds as a rookie. He had 18 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks Wednesday night in the Suns’ season-opening win over the Kings.
♦ Shane Buechele threw for 203 yards and two touchdowns and Xavier Jones ran for 133 yards and two touchdowns as No. 16 SMU held off host Houston 34-31 to improve to 8-0. Houston closed to 34-31 on a 96-yard touchdown pass from Clayton Tune to Marquez Stevenson and a two-point conversion with 4:47 left. But after Houston twice forced SMU to punt, Tune was sacked at midfield to end the game.