Philadelphia selects Gabe Kapler as manager

PHILADELPHIA—The Philadelphia Phillies went outside the organization and perhaps outside the box to get a new manager.

Former major league outfielder Gabe Kapler was hired Monday to be Philadelphia’s manager, completing a search that lasted one month.

“I’m equal parts honored, humbled and excited by the opportunity with the Phillies, an elite franchise in a city rich in history, tradition, sports excellence and with amazingly passionate fans,” Kapler said in a statement.

Kapler has served as director of player development for the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2014. The Dodgers trail the Houston Astros 3-2 in the World Series. Game 6 is Tuesday night in Los Angeles.

Kapler will be introduced at a news conference after the Series ends.

The 42-year-old Kapler replaces Pete Mackanin, who moved into a front-office position.

Kapler batted .268 with 82 homers and 386 RBIs over 12 seasons with six teams between 1998-2010.

“Gabe has a track record of leadership, winning, progressive thinking and working with young players, and we fully believe that he is the right person to guide this organization into the future,” general manager Matt Klentak said.

That “progressive” thinking includes a fondness for analytics and sports science.