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WASHINGTON – Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo told reporters on Wednesday that freshman manager Dave Martinez will be back next season.
"I did not consider another scenario," Rizzo said when asked if Martinez would be back.
The Nationals, who are expected to play for a third consecutive NL East title, started Wednesday with a 69-70 record, seven and a half games from Atlanta in the East and eight fewer games.
In addition to the injuries inflicted on players such as Daniel Murphy, Ryan Zimmerman, Stephen Strasburg and Sean Doolittle, Martinez's work as a rookie skipper is under scrutiny.
"I think Davey is doing a great job in managing this team," said Rizzo. "He has managed to overcome many hardships and tribulations that many first year managers have not had to endure and have a team playing with the exuberance and energy level they currently play, I think. a testimonial from Davey and the staff and how they feel about him in the club. "
Martinez, 53, was coach of the Cubs bench in Chicago before signing a three-year contract with the Nationals in October 2017. Martinez replaced veteran manager Dusty Baker, who scored 192-132 in two seasons with Washington, but failed to win the playoffs. series be year.
This year's team was 33-22 after winning its sixth straight game on May 30th. The Nats have not won more than four games in a row. The two Braves and second place Philadelphia have played a baseball game under .500 since August 15, but the Nationals have failed to take a big step, ranging from 9 to 9.
"We thought that all the time we had a chance to catch these teams," said Rizzo, "and if we play as we are supposed to play, we would have the opportunity to make this race a frustrating experience. something together to really push them to the limits we thought we should. "
The Nationals respected the July deadline and Rizzo expressed confidence in the team formed, but a race did not materialize and the team has since traded several veterans, including Murphy , Matt Adams, Ryan Madson and Gio Gonzalez. save a lot of payroll dollars.
Fielder Bryce Harper, who started Wednesday with 31 homers and 89 RBIs, will be a free player after this season and third-baseman Anthony Rendon will come after next season.
"If we have or we have not done so, we will certainly not discuss it in this place," Rizzo said when asked if he had made an effort. to sign the long-term contract. "Suffice to say that these two guys are dear to us, and we would like to have them long term."
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