ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves have fired manager Fredi González after one of the worst starts to a season in Braves history.
Channel 2's Zach Klein reports González, who has been the team's manager for more than five years, was told after another loss on Monday that he was being fired.
Per MLB source, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez was told last night after game he was being fired.
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) May 17, 2016
Braves General Manager John Coppolella said Tuesday that the decision to fire Gonzalez was not all Gonzalez’ fault.
He says the locker room needed a new voice and you can’t fire the players.
Braves Coppolella: This isn't Fredi's fault. If you want it laid at anyone's hands it could be mine or John's. It was time for a new voice
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) May 17, 2016
Sources close to Klein say there was a feeling among the front office that Gonzalez was never going to be back next season. The team wanted a new manager to take over in the new ballpark and they knew Gonzalez was not the long term solution, so they said it was best to do it now.
Triple-A manager Brian Snitker will take over, according to an MLB source.
Braves have fired manager Fredi Gonzalez - 1st reported by @DOBrienAJC
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) May 17, 2016
MLB Source says Triple-A manager Brian Snitker takes over
CURRENT STANDINGS
The numbers for the Braves are dismal. They have lost two straight and eight of 10, have baseball's worst record at 9-28 and already are 13 1/2 games out of first place in the NL East.
The Braves are 2-17 at home and 7-11 on the road.
They lost 8-5 to the Pittsburgh Pirates Monday night. Jeff Francoeur hit his first home run for the Braves since June 2009.
[READ: Braves lose 8-5 to Pirates despite second multi-homer game]
Gonzalez is the first Braves manager to be fired since Russ Nixon was let go in June 1990.
FINAL SEASON AT TURNER FIELD
This is the final season the Braves will be playing at Turner Field. They will begin to call SunTrust Park in Cobb County home beginning in 2017.
The stadium is currently under construction.
Gonzalez, who replaced Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox in 2010, was in his sixth season as the Braves manager. He was 276-279 in four seasons with the Marlins.
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BREAKING - The Atlanta Braves fired Gonzalez after more than 5 seasons. MLB sources tell Channel 2's Zach Klein that the Gwinnett Braves' Brian Snitker will be interim manager.
Posted by WSB-TV on Tuesday, May 17, 2016
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