D-BACKS FIRE MANAGER MELVIN
PHOENIX — Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin has been fired.
The Diamondbacks will make A.J. Hinch, their vice president for player development, his replacement today, according to radio station KTAR. Hinch, 34, is a former major-league catcher with no professional managerial experience.
Melvin, 47, was hired in 2005 and went 337-340 with Arizona. He was named NL manager of the year after leading the Diamondbacks to the division title in 2007 before being swept by the Rockies in the NLCS. He had one year left on his contract.
A-Rod to play tonight
NEW YORK — Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez will make his season debut tonight in Baltimore. Rodriguez had surgery March 9 to repair torn cartilage in his right hip, and has recovered more quickly than expected. The Yankees had initially set a target date for his return of May 15.
Former manager Ozark dies.
Former Phillies manager Danny Ozark, who led Philadelphia to three consecutive NL East titles but fell short of the World Series each time, died in Vero Beach, Fla. He was 85.
Ozark twice led the Phillies to more than 100 wins, tallying back-to-back 101-61 records in 1976 and 1977. He was fired late in the 1979 season as the Phillies stood at 65-67. They went on to finish 84-78 and rebounded under Dallas Green in 1980 to win the World Series. Ozark finished with a 594-510 record in seven seasons with the Phillies.
Footnotes.
Rick Ankiel went on the 15-day disabled list three days after the Cardinals center fielder crashed headfirst into the wall making a running catch.
• Tigers left-hander Dontrelle Willis, who has been on the DL since March 29 because of anxiety disorder, will start Wednesday against the Twins.
• Catcher Brian McCann will join the Braves in Philadelphia today after having success with his new glasses in a minor- league game. The Associated Press
