Reds fire manager, pitching coach after 3-15 start

CINCINNATI » The Reds’ worst start since the Great Depression prompted a quick hook for Bryan Price.

Cincinnati fired its fifth-year manager on Thursday because of a 3-15 start, the first managerial change in the major leagues this season. The Reds hadn’t changed managers so early in a season since Tony Perez was fired after 44 games in 1993.

It’s the first time since 2002 that a manager has been fired in April, according to ESPN. Four managers were fired that April, including Phil Garner after an 0-6 start with the Tigers that matched the quickest hook in major league history.

The Reds have lost at least 94 games in each of the last three seasons while finishing last in the NL Central.

Although the Reds have been patient with their coaching staff during the rebuild, their worst start since 1931 prompted the change.

“We felt we had to act now, we couldn’t afford to wait,” general manager Dick Williams said during a conference call.

Second-year pitching coach Mack Jenkins also was also fired. TripleA Louisville manager Pat Kelly will be the bench coach, and Danny Darwin was promoted from Double-A Pensacola to serve as pitching coach. CUBS 8, CARDINALS 5» Jon Lester was dominant through six innings of two-hit ball in his 100th start as a Cub, Jason Heyward hit a tworun homer and Chicago defeated St. Louis. ASTROS 9, MARINERS 2 » Charlie Morton pitched seven innings of threehit ball, Jose Altuve hit a three-run double and Houston beat Seattle. YANKEES 4, BLUE JAYS 3 » Aaron Judge hit his fifth home run, David Robertson pitched out of an eighth-inning jam and New York overcame some shaky defense on a chilly night to beat Toronto. BRAVES 12, METS 4 » Preston Tucker drove in a career-high five runs, Matt Wisler allowed two hits in seven innings after being called up from the minors, and Atlanta beat Matt Harvey and New York.

A CT scan confirmed good news for Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, who was struck by a pitch from the Phillies’ Hoby Milner on Wednesday. X-rays showed no structural damage.