MIAMI — Mike Redmond was fired Sunday as manager of the Miami Marlins, moments after they were nearly no-hit in a loss that completed a three-game sweep.
Atlanta Braves starter Shelby Miller was one out from a no-hitter when Justin Bour singled in the Marlins’ 6-0 defeat, which dropped them to 16-22.
Redmond’s replacement will be announced Monday, the Marlins said. Bench coach Rob Leary also was fired.
Following a busy offseason highlighted by the signing of slugger Giancarlo Stanton to a record $325 million contract, the Marlins had high hopes of ending an 11-year playoff drought. But their bullpen has been woeful, and the batting order has struggled aside from major league RBIs leader Stanton and batting leader Dee Gordon.
An early-season managerial change has paid off before for owner Jeffrey Loria. He fired Jeff Torborg in May 2003 when the Marlins also were 16-22. Replacement Jack McKeon led a turnaround that resulted in an improbable run to the World Series title.
The Marlins haven’t been to the postseason since.
Loria fired Fredi Gonzalez in June 2010, and fired Joe Girardi and Ozzie Guillen after one season each.
Redmond went 62-100 in his first year as a major-league manager with the Marlins in 2013. They improved to 77-85 last year, ending a streak of three consecutive last-place finishes in the National League East. Their 15-win improvement tied for the best in the NL by a 100-loss team since 1986.
On the final day of last season, Redmond’s contract was extended two years through 2017.
Thumbnail photo via Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports Images
