The Baltimore Orioles are hoping that a managerial change can help shake the team out of its early season slump. The club announced Saturday that they would be relieving manager Brandon Hyde of his duties ahead of the team’s showdown with the Washington Nationals.
“As the head of baseball operations, the poor start to our season is ultimately my responsibility,” Orioles executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias said in a statement. “Part of that responsibility is pursuing difficult changes in order to set a different course for the future. I want to thank Brandon for his hard work, dedication and passion all these years, and for returning the team to the playoffs and winning an AL East championship.”
The 15-28 Orioles are currently in last place in the AL East following a loss to Washington on Friday night. Hyde helped to guide a young team through an extensive rebuild and took home manager of the year honours in 2023 for his efforts.
In addition to Hyde, the Orioles also fired major league field coordinator/catching instructor Tim Cossins. Hyde becomes the third major league manager fired in the last two weeks, joining Pittsburgh’s Derek Shelton and Colorado’s Bud Black. Third base coach Tony Mansolino will serve as interim manager for the time being.
“Brandon Hyde is someone I have come to know and deeply admire, not only for his extensive knowledge of baseball, but also for his exceptional leadership as a manager,” Orioles owner David Rubenstein said in the club’s official media statement. “I am sincerely grateful for his significant accomplishments over the past six years, which have greatly benefited both the Orioles and the city of Baltimore. However, as is sometimes the case in baseball, change becomes necessary, and we believe this is one of those moments. The Orioles organization is truly appreciative of everything Brandon has contributed during his tenure, and we wish him nothing but success in whatever path he chooses next in the world of baseball. Brandon is a man of great character, and we thank him for his dedication and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Hyde completes his tenure in Baltimore with a 421-492 record over parts of seven seasons. The O’s will play their first game of the Mansolino era at 4:05pm ET Saturday.
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