As the Arizona Diamondbacks’ season continues to spin out of control, the future of manager Chip Hale will become a hot topic of conversation. 

Continue for updates. 


D-Backs Reportedly Considering Change

Friday, July 22

Per Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Diamondbacks are “considering” making a managerial change with Phil Nevin taking over for Hale. During an appearance on NBC Sports 1060 with Tim Montemayor, Arizona general manager Dave Stewart said he “can’t comment on rumors.”

Montemayor added that he was told Nevin “is aware” of the potential change and that conversations revolve “around the impact on the club” and if it would change the culture in the locker room. 

The Diamondbacks hired Hale in October 2014 to replace Kirk Gibson, who was dismissed by the team late in the season. 

Hale did not have any previous major league managerial experience before taking the Diamondbacks job, though he did manage their Triple-A affiliate in Tucson from 2007 to 2009. He also served as a third base coach for the New York Mets (2010-2011) and bench coach for the Oakland A’s (2012-2014). 

Arizona was a surprise success in Hale’s first season in 2015, going 79-83 one year after losing 98 games. Optimism and expectations for the team went through the roof in the offseason when the Diamondbacks signed Zack Greinke and traded for Shelby Miller to lead their starting rotation.

Things have not worked out well in the desert. Greinke is on the disabled list, Miller had to be sent down to Triple-A because he had a 7.14 ERA in 14 starts, and star outfielder A.J. Pollock has yet to play a game after breaking his elbow during spring training.

As a result of those problems, Arizona (40-55) occupies the National League West cellar and only has a better record than the Cincinnati Reds (36-59) and Atlanta Braves (33-63) in the NL. 

Hale’s firing would give the Diamondbacks a scapegoat for all of their struggles, but there are bigger problems than just who is managing the club right now. 

 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com