Cards fire Shildt over ‘philosophical’ issues
St. Louis fired former National League manager of the year Mike Shildt over organizational differences, one week after the Cardinals lost in the NL wild-card game. President John Mozeliak said the firing was “something that popped up recently” but refused to expand on what he called “philosophical differences” between Shildt, the coaching staff and the front office. St. Louis went 90-72 this season, with a 17-game win streak. Shildt, 53, joined the Cardinals as a scout in 2003 and went 255-199 as manager.
■ Astros: Right-hander Lance Mccullers Jr. (right forearm strain) is expected to be sidelined for the American League Championship Series, MLB Network reported. The 28-year-old, who went 13-5 with a 3.16 ERA in 28 starts this season, allowed one run over 102/3 innings in the ALDS.
■ Braves: Right fielder Jorge Soler (COVID-19 injured list) is expected to miss the NL Championship Series. The 29-yearold hit .269 with 14 home runs in 55 games, lately serving as Atlanta’s leadoff hitter, after being acquired July 30 from Kansas City.
■ Phillies: Kevin Long was hired as hitting coach, reuniting the 54-year-old with manager Joe Girardi and slugger Bryce Harper. Long spent the past four seasons with Washington and worked under Girardi with the New York Yankees from 2008 to 2014.
■ White Sox: Manager Tony La Russa plans to return in 2022, ESPN reported. The 77-year-old, second on the majors’ all-time wins list, came out of retirement this year and guided Chicago to a 93-69 record and an AL Central title.
■ Yankees: The contracts of hitting coach Marcus Thames, thirdbase coach Phil Nevin and assistant hitting coach P.J. Pilittere won’t be renewed, ESPN reported. New York (92-70) was 19th in the majors in runs this season.