Pittsburg, PA – 05/17/2016

On Tuesday morning, the Braves parted ways with manager Fredi Gonzalez after the club got off to a disappointing 9-28 start to the 2016 season. In five-plus years as skipper of the club, Gonzalez took his team to the Postseason twice (2012 Wild Card Game; 2013 NLDS) posting a 434-413 overall record. In ten seasons as a Big League skipper, Gonzalez had a .506 winning percentage between the Marlins and Braves. The firing also marked the first time the organization dismissed a manager since Russ Nixon in 1990. In addition, bench coach Carlos Tosca was also relieved of his duties.

As for where the club goes from here, Brian Snitker, who’s been with the Braves since 1977 in various roles, will now take over as the interim manager. Snitker was in his third season at the help of the Triple-A club in Gwinnett, and most recently served on the Braves Major League coaching staff from 2007 through 2013. Other changes including Terry Pendleton moving from first base coach to bench coach, while Eddie Perez will now take over duties at first base.

While a move like this seemed inevitable, the timing is a tad surprising. Atlanta recently welcomed back Ender Incairte and Gordon Beckham back from the disabled list, and over the last few weeks has added young prospects like Mallex Smith, Aaron Blair and Mike Foltynewicz into the mix. Some folks thought Fredi would have a chance to work with a full, healthy roster, but that would not be the case.

Stay with 680 The Fan for all the very latest developments from Pittsburgh.

– Kevin McAlpin