Rangers fire manager Chris Woodward short of his 500th game

Woodward was under contract through next season.

STEPHEN HAWKINS, AP Baseball Writer

Aug. 15, 2022Updated: Aug. 15, 2022 3:04 p.m.

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1of5Texas Rangers’ Charlie Culberson (11) gets a high five from manager Chris Woodward after scored on a sacrifice bunt by teammate Bubba Thompson during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022.LM Otero/APShow MoreShow Less 2of5Texas Rangers starting pitcher Josh Sborz (66) is checked on by athletic trainer Matt Lucero, center, and manager Chris Woodward after Sborz was struck by the ball on a single by Seattle Mariners’ Mitch Haniger during the first inning of a baseball game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Aug. 12, 2022.Tony Gutierrez/APShow MoreShow Less 3of5 4of5Texas Rangers’ Adolis Garcia, right, celebrates with third base coach Tony Beasley after hitting a home run against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, in Houston.David J. Phillip/APShow MoreShow Less 5of5

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Texas Rangers fired manager Chris Woodward on Monday, with the team on pace for its sixth consecutive losing season, and fourth since he took over the team.

The move came two days before Woodward would have managed his 500th game with the Rangers. He finished with a 211-287 record in his first managerial job.

Woodward was under contract through next season, and the team held an option for the 2024 season.

Third base coach Tony Beasley was named the team’s interim manager, starting with Monday night’s game against the Oakland A’s.

Texas is 53-61 after a series win at home over the Seattle Mariners, but hasn’t had a winning record at any point this season. That’s even after a record offseason spending spree that added a half-billion dollar infield — All-Star shortstop Corey Seager to a $325 million, 10-year contract, and Gold Glove second baseman Marcus Semien to a $175, seven-year deal.

The Rangers peaked at 24-24 at the end of May, but then lost their next three games and five of six.

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Written By

STEPHEN HAWKINS