ARLINGTON (WBAP/KLIF) – The Texas Rangers announced Friday that the club has dismissed manager Jeff Banister.
Bench coach Don Wakamatsu has been named as the team’s interim manager through the remainder of the 2018 season.
“I informed Jeff Banister of our decision earlier today,” said Rangers President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Jon Daniels. “I want to thank Jeff for his dedication and efforts with the Texas Rangers over the last four years. This was not an easy decision and comes after a long period of evaluation. However, we feel that a change in the leadership of our Major League club is necessary as we move forward.”
Banister has a record of 325-313 since being appointed as the 18th full-time manager in club history on October 16, 2014.
Wakamatsu rejoined the Rangers on November 6, 2017 after four seasons as the bench coach in Kansas City. He previously served on Texas’ Major League coaching staff as bench coach (2003-06) and third base coach (2007). The 55-year-old Wakamatsu managed Seattle from the start of 2009 until August 9, 2010 with a 127-147 overall record. He also has been a big league coach with Oakland (2008) and Toronto (2011-12).
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