PHILLIES FIRE GM AMARO, PROMOTE PROEFROCK
The Philadelphia Phillies, going through their worst season in 43 years, fired general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. on Thursday and promoted assistant GM Scott Proefrock to interim general manager. Team executive Andy MacPhail hopes to hire a new GM before the end of October. He hasn’t made a decision on interim manager Pete Mackanin. “We needed a fresh perspective, a fresh approach,” MacPhail said. The Phillies have the worst record in the majors at 54-86 and will miss the postseason for the fourth consecutive year after winning five consecutive NL East titles. Their .386 winning percentage is their lowest since 1972. MacPhail made the move with 22 games left so Amaro could pursue one of the GM openings in the majors. “He helped to create some great memories for Phillies fans with his accomplishments, but in order to return to a top-contending club, we believe this is the right thing to do as we continue the rebuilding process,” MacPhail said.