CHICAGO (AP) — John McLaren is moving from bench coach to interim manager of the Washington Nationals following the stunning resignation of Jim Riggleman.
McLaren’s duties began Friday when the Nationals opened a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field.
The Nationals had won 11 of 12 before Riggleman quit after a 1-0 victory over Seattle on Thursday, saying he felt the franchise wasn’t committed to him over the long term.
Riggleman wanted the Nationals to pick up his contract option for next year, and said the reluctance of general manager Mike Rizzo to have a meeting on the subject reinforced his feeling that he was merely a placeholder until the team could find someone better.
McLaren is a former Seattle Mariners manager, going 68-88 over parts of two seasons.
