Price let go after Reds’ 3-15 start

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

The Reds fired their fifth-year manager 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.

Price, who was 279-387 with the Reds, managed a rebuilding effort that relied on rookies more than any other team in the majors during his tenure. 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. “I know it seems early to some people and it certainly is early in the regular season, but we’ve had a lot of chances to observe this group together and see them get off to the start we’d hoped, and it wasn’t there.”

Bench coach Jim Riggleman will manage the team on an interim basis, the fourth time in his career he’s been promoted during a season. Riggleman also has managed the Padres, Cubs, Mariners and Nationals. He’s expected to be a candidate for the full-time job. Williams said the club will pick its next manager later in the season.

“We’ve got to show up for work every day,” Williams said. “They’ve got to have a sense of urgency to win that day. They have to play the game hard and play it smart and play it right.”