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ARLINGTON, Texas – The Texas Rangers have sacked manager Jeff Banister on Friday more than a week before the end of the team's first consecutive loss in 10 years.
Head coach Don Wakamatsu will serve as acting director for the rest of the season, starting with Friday's game against Seattle, who will open the last home series of a disappointing year.
Banister, hired after the 2014 season, had a record of 325-313 in his first manager position. The Rangers won the Western AHL title in each of their first two seasons (2015-2016), then were beaten by Toronto in the AL division series twice.
The Rangers were 64-88 in Friday night's game, after scoring 78-84 last season. They were 88-74 in Banister's debut in 2015 and tied a team record with a record 95 wins in 2016.
General Manager Jon Daniels said Thursday he informed Banister of the decision, a day off for the team. Banister, 54, was under contract until next season.
"It was not an easy decision and comes after a long period of evaluation.However, we feel that a change in the direction of our Major League club is needed as we progress." "said Daniels in a statement. "Once this conclusion reached, I thought it appropriate to take the step now."
Daniels was scheduled to meet with reporters later in the day to discuss the move.
Wakamatsu joined the Rangers last November after four seasons as a coach in Kansas City. Previously, he was a member of Ranger staff from 2003 to 2007.
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