WASHINGTON — So much for the plan to have Manny Acta’s patient optimism lead the Nationals out of the doldrums.
The abysmal win-loss record became too much to stomach, costing him his job at the all-star break and adding another layer of instability to the worst team in baseball.
Acta was fired after the team reached the unofficial halfway mark of the season with a 26-61 record, on pace to clear the 100-loss mark for the second consecutive year.
Bench coach Jim Riggleman, who has a 522-652 record over nine seasons managing the Padres, Cubs and Mariners, was named the interim replacement.
Acta was 158-252 over 2 1/2 seasons in his first managerial job.
Reds’ Bruce to miss 6 to 8 weeks
CINCINNATI — The Reds said outfielder Jay Bruce’s broken right wrist shows no damage to tendons or ligaments, but he is expected to be out six to eight weeks.
Bruce was hurt Saturday night while trying to make a sliding catch on David Wright’s liner in the first inning of a 4-0 loss to the Mets in New York.
He was placed on the 15-day disabled list and returned to Cincinnati to be examined by Dr. Timothy Kremchek, the team’s medical director.
An MRI was performed late Sunday, and Bruce will be examined again Thursday before the Reds’ first game after the break.
D-backs release Clark
PHOENIX — The Diamondbacks released first baseman Tony Clark, who batted .182 with four home runs and 11 RBIs in 36 games this season. He hit .255 with 59 homers and 178 RBIs over parts of five seasons with Arizona.
Clark has 1,188 hits, 251 home runs and 824 RBIs in 15-plus major-league seasons.
Martinez to undergo physical
PHILADELPHIA — Pedro Martinez, a 37-year-old right-hander who is 214-99 with a 2.91 ERA in 17 seasons, is scheduled to undergo a physical today and could finalize a contract with the Phillies shortly thereafter.
The Associated Press
