Baker out as Nationals manager
Dusty Baker is done as manager of the Washington Nationals after two seasons, two National League East titles and zero playoff series victories.
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said he told Baker the news via telephone Friday morning. Baker’s two-year deal with the club is expiring.
“Our expectations have grown,” Rizzo said during a conference call with reporters. “Winning a lot of regular-season games and winning divisions are not enough. Our goal is to win a world championship and, to that end, we made the decision late last night.”
Rizzo declined to say why he believes Baker can’t help reach that goal. The GM also wouldn’t offer any specifics about what sort of manager he will be looking for as a replacement. The Nationals will be hiring their sixth manager in a 10-season span.
Gardenhire named manager of Tigers
The Detroit Tigers have hired Ron Gardenhire as their manager, bringing the longtime Minnesota Twins skipper back to the American League Central to take over a team in the middle of a significant rebuilding process.
The Tigers said Gardenhire has agreed to a three-year contract.
“I don’t want to lose, and who’s to say we have to lose next year? Who’s to say?” Gardenhire said. “Baseball’s a great game. A lot of things can happen.”
Gardenhire, 59, takes over for Brad Ausmus, who was let go after four seasons. The Tigers went 64-98 this season, finishing tied for the worst record in the majors.
Seager to return to Dodgers lineup
Corey Seager is expected to be in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup for the opener of the World Series after missing the National League Championship Series because of back pain.
Seager, an All-Star shortstop, watched from home as the Dodgers eliminated the Chicago Cubs in Game 5 on Thursday. Manager Dave Roberts says Seager is “doing everything he can to get healthy” and the Dodgers “expect him back for Game 1.”
As anticipated, Clayton Kershaw will pitch the World Series opener Tuesday. The three-time NL Cy Young Award winner held Chicago to a run over six innings on Thursday night and will pitch Game 1 on regular rest.