The Houston Astros, who are 59-79, have fired manager Bo Porter and bench coach Dave Trembley. They have named bench coach Tom Lawless as interim manager. In addition, Adam Everett will serve as the bench coach for the remainder of the season.
The Astros have relieved Bo Porter of his managerial duties. Tom Lawless named interim manager.
— Houston Astros (@astros) September 1, 2014
Bench coach Dave Trembley also relieved of duties today. Adam Everett will join the coaching staff and serve as bench coach. — Houston Astros (@astros) September 1, 2014
This move comes one day after a 3-2 victory over the struggling Texas Rangers. MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart quoted Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow releasing the following statement, thanking Bo Porter for his two years as manager. Luhnow, though, also said that it was time to make a change. Said Luhnow,
“Bo’s passion and energy are unparalleled, and his desire to win unquestioned. This decision was not made because of our current level of competitiveness in the Major Leagues. I recognize that our win-loss record is largely a product of an organizational strategy for which I am responsible. Rather, I made this decision because I believe we need a new direction in our clubhouse.
What we will seek going forward is a consistent and united message throughout the entire organization. It is essential that as an organization we create an atmosphere at the Major-League level where our young players can come up and continue to develop and succeed. Ultimately, I am responsible for creating that culture, and I will do everything in my power to do so –- even when it means making difficult moves like the one we made today.”
Last week, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported that Porter and Luhnow were at odds due to a lack of communication. It was also reported that Porter believed there was a shortage of confidence in his decisions from upper management.
Porter was hired as manager in 2013, and he went 51-111 as a rookie manager. The Astors enter play Monday with a 59-79 record, their highest win total in four seasons.
Before being hired as the Astros manager, Porter served as third base coach and outfield/base-running instructor with the Miami Marlins from 2007-2009. After declining to stay in Florida in 2010, he was hired as the Arizona Diamondbacks’ third base coach. Later, Porter was promoted to bench coach when Kirk Gibson, the bench coach at the time, was promoted to manager. After being fired by the D-Backs, Porter was hired as third base coach for the Washington Nationals, but he left that job to become the manager in Houston.
PHOTO CREDIT: Brian BlancoGetty Images Sport