BRAVES LOSE HART

John Hart has left the Atlanta Braves, less than a week after being stripped of his role as president of baseball operations.

The decision was not unexpected given the hiring of general manager Alex Anthopoulos, who now has autonomy over all baseball-related decisions. Hart was given the title of senior advisor, but clearly had no real power.

The 69-year-old Hart calls it “a difficult decision” but says the team “is in great hands” with Anthopoulos.

l The Oakland Athletics have hired former San Francisco Giants star Matt Williams as their new third base coach.