Washington Nationals: Mike Rizzo and Dave Martinez are fired
The Washington Nationals, located in the last place of the league, announced the dismissal of Mike Rizzo, president of baseball operations, and manager Dave Martinez, according to a statement issued on Sunday. Rizzo, 64, and Martinez, 60, managed to win the World Series with the Nationals in 2019, but the team has performed poorly in recent years. In the current season, the Nationals have a record of 37-53 and are in last place in the National League East Division, after being swept by the Boston Red Sox this weekend at home. Since winning the World Series, Washington has not finished in a position higher than fourth place in the division.Mike DeBartolo, senior vice president and assistant general manager of the club, was named interim general manager on Sunday night. DeBartolo will oversee all aspects of baseball operations, including the MLB draft. An announcement about the interim manager will be made on Monday, a day before the club begins a series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Rizzo has been the main decision-maker in Washington since 2013, and Martinez has been on the team since 2018. Under Rizzo’s leadership, the team reached the postseason four times: in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2019. The last season was Martinez’s only playoff appearance.On behalf of our family and the Washington Nationals organization, I want to thank Mike and Davey for their contributions to our franchise and our city. Our family is eternally grateful for their years of dedication to the organization, including their roles in bringing a World Series trophy to Washington, D.C.
Mark Lerner, Managing Principal
The Nationals are in the midst of a rebuild that has progressed more slowly than expected, although the team didn’t significantly reinforce its young core during the winter. Led by All-Stars James Wood and MacKenzie Gore, Washington has the second-youngest group of hitters in MLB and the sixth-youngest pitching staff. The team suffered 11 consecutive losses in a forgettable month. And during a 2-10 stretch in June, Washington averaged only 2.5 runs. Since June 1, the Nationals have scored one run or been shut out seven times. In Sunday’s 6-4 loss to Boston, they left 15 runners on base. There were speculations in the industry during the winter that the Nationals would spend money on free agents for the first time in several years, but that never materialized. Instead, the team made minor moves, signing free agents Josh Bell and Michael Soroka, trading for first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, and re-signing closer Kyle Finnegan. Now, the hope is that a new management team, both on and off the field, can help turn the franchise around.When our family took control of the team, almost 20 years ago, Mike was the first hire we made. For two decades, he was with us as we went from being a developing team in a new city to World Series champions. Mike helped us become what we are as an organization, and we are very grateful for his hard work and dedication, not only on the field and in the office, but also in the community.
Mark Lerner, Principal Owner
