The Nationals have fired manager Manny Acta, multiple baseball sources confirmed in the early-morning hours on Monday. The move, first reported by television network ESPN Deportes, was made after a 5-0 loss at Houston. Acta, 40, was halfway through his third season managing the club when the move was made. Washington enter Major League Baseball’s All-Star break with a 26-61 record – worst in the big leagues.
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Acta’s record during his tenure with the Nats was 158-252. His team had just completed a 1-6 road trip – not including a win against Houston on Thursday that was the conclusion of a suspended game (rain) originally started in the District in May. The front office had been close to making a change last month before the Nats showed signs of life by winning two games at Yankee Stadium and two more at home against the Toronto Blue Jays. But they quickly crashed back to earth with a 5-15 record since June 21st.
Bench coach Jim Riggleman was expected to be named Acta’s successor when his job status came into question last month. But there was no immediate word early Monday morning if that was still the case. After a three-day break, the Nationals return home for an 11-game homestand against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday. More to come in a few hours…
