The Baltimore Orioles have fired manager Brandon Hyde amid a 15-28 start to the season — last place in the AL East.Orioles Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Elias released a statement Saturday afternoon, saying:”As the head of baseball operations, the poor start to our season is ultimately my responsibility. Part of that responsibility is pursuing difficult changes in order to set a different course for the future. I want to thank Brandon for his hard work, dedication, and passion all these years, and for returning the team to the playoffs and winning an AL East Championship. His many positive contributions to this organization and to Baltimore will remain, and we wish he and his family the best.”Orioles Control Owner David Rubenstein released a statement, saying:”Brandon Hyde is someone I have come to know and deeply admire, not only for his extensive knowledge of baseball, but also for his exceptional leadership as a manager. I am sincerely grateful for his significant accomplishments over the past six years, which have greatly benefited both the Orioles and the city of Baltimore. However, as is sometimes the case in baseball, change becomes necessary, and we believe this is one of those moments. The Orioles organization is truly appreciative of everything Brandon has contributed during his tenure, and we wish him nothing but success in whatever path he chooses next in the world of baseball. Brandon is a man of great character, and we thank him for his dedication and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”Hyde was in his seventh season as Baltimore’s manager after having endured seasons of 108 and 110 losses early on. Hyde was named American League Manager of the Year in 2023 after having guided the Orioles to a 101-61 record that season.The players were informed of Hyde’s dismissal during a team meeting headed by Elias, about four hours before the Orioles were to host the Washington Nationals.”Pretty surprised, honestly,” starting pitcher Cade Povich said. “It’s not something you expect to come in the morning and hear.””That’s unfortunate because Brandon Hyde is a great guy. We, as players, have got to play better. The players are the ones with the bats and gloves,” outfielder Ramón Laureano said.”It hurts,” infielder Ramón Urías said. “I feel like we let him down. But, obviously, we’re looking forward to changing things around mentally.”Fans attending Saturday’s game against the Washington Nationals, which the Orioles lost 10-6, expressed disappointment.”He just wasn’t good enough, man, and he came out here, the whole team’s flat. Every time. It’s been the last three years. We’re trying to we’re trying to make the next step,” a fan named Andrew Giuliani told 11 News.”I was pretty bummed about it. I always liked Brandon. I thought about the younger players. So, hopefully, we’ll find somebody to replace him and get back on track,” a fan named Joseph told 11 News.An offense that was supposed to be the team’s strength has been spotty. Adley Rutschman is batting .214, Ryan Mountcastle is at .233 and Cedric Mullins has slumped all the way to .226 after a good start.All that probably isn’t Hyde’s fault. But the organization hopes things change under Third Base Coach Tony Mansolino, who will serve as interim manager. Mansolino has been the third base coach for the Orioles since 2021. He worked in various minor league coaching capacities in Cleveland’s organization from 2011-20, including four seasons as manager with Single-A Lake County (2016), High-A Lynchburg (2017), Double-A Akron (2018), and Triple-A Columbus (2019).The 42-year-old was also the interim third base coach for the Guardians during most of the 2020 season while Terry Francona was away from the club with a medical condition. Bench Coach Robinson Chirinos will remain in his same role.The Orioles also relieved Major League Field Coordinator/Catching Instructor Tim Cossins of his duties.”We thank Tim for his tremendous contributions to the organization over the years,” said Elias.The Orioles are hitting .192 with runners in scoring position, the worst mark in baseball. Top prospects Heston Kjerstad and Coby Mayo haven’t produced much, and injuries to Colton Cowser, Jordan Westburg and Tyler O’Neill have hurt the lineup as well. And, the pitching staff could afford health problems even less. Rodriguez and reliever Andrew Kittredge haven’t pitched at all this year, and Zach Eflin missed time as well.The team’s poor start has put Elias under scrutiny after what looked like a very successful rebuild. If the Orioles don’t climb back into contention this year, he will be under a lot of pressure next offseason to bring the team back to the path it appeared to be on less than a year ago.The Associated Press contributed to this report.
BALTIMORE (WBAL & AP) —
The Baltimore Orioles have fired manager Brandon Hyde amid a 15-28 start to the season — last place in the AL East.
Orioles Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Elias released a statement Saturday afternoon, saying:
“As the head of baseball operations, the poor start to our season is ultimately my responsibility. Part of that responsibility is pursuing difficult changes in order to set a different course for the future. I want to thank Brandon for his hard work, dedication, and passion all these years, and for returning the team to the playoffs and winning an AL East Championship. His many positive contributions to this organization and to Baltimore will remain, and we wish he and his family the best.”
Orioles Control Owner David Rubenstein released a statement, saying:
“Brandon Hyde is someone I have come to know and deeply admire, not only for his extensive knowledge of baseball, but also for his exceptional leadership as a manager. I am sincerely grateful for his significant accomplishments over the past six years, which have greatly benefited both the Orioles and the city of Baltimore. However, as is sometimes the case in baseball, change becomes necessary, and we believe this is one of those moments. The Orioles organization is truly appreciative of everything Brandon has contributed during his tenure, and we wish him nothing but success in whatever path he chooses next in the world of baseball. Brandon is a man of great character, and we thank him for his dedication and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Hyde was in his seventh season as Baltimore’s manager after having endured seasons of 108 and 110 losses early on. Hyde was named American League Manager of the Year in 2023 after having guided the Orioles to a 101-61 record that season.
The players were informed of Hyde’s dismissal during a team meeting headed by Elias, about four hours before the Orioles were to host the Washington Nationals.
“Pretty surprised, honestly,” starting pitcher Cade Povich said. “It’s not something you expect to come in the morning and hear.”
“That’s unfortunate because Brandon Hyde is a great guy. We, as players, have got to play better. The players are the ones with the bats and gloves,” outfielder Ramón Laureano said.
“It hurts,” infielder Ramón Urías said. “I feel like we let him down. But, obviously, we’re looking forward to changing things around mentally.”
Fans attending Saturday’s game against the Washington Nationals, which the Orioles lost 10-6, expressed disappointment.
“He just wasn’t good enough, man, and he came out here, the whole team’s flat. Every time. It’s been the last three years. We’re trying to we’re trying to make the next step,” a fan named Andrew Giuliani told 11 News.
“I was pretty bummed about it. I always liked Brandon. I thought about the younger players. So, hopefully, we’ll find somebody to replace him and get back on track,” a fan named Joseph told 11 News.
An offense that was supposed to be the team’s strength has been spotty. Adley Rutschman is batting .214, Ryan Mountcastle is at .233 and Cedric Mullins has slumped all the way to .226 after a good start.
All that probably isn’t Hyde’s fault. But the organization hopes things change under Third Base Coach Tony Mansolino, who will serve as interim manager. Mansolino has been the third base coach for the Orioles since 2021. He worked in various minor league coaching capacities in Cleveland’s organization from 2011-20, including four seasons as manager with Single-A Lake County (2016), High-A Lynchburg (2017), Double-A Akron (2018), and Triple-A Columbus (2019).
The 42-year-old was also the interim third base coach for the Guardians during most of the 2020 season while Terry Francona was away from the club with a medical condition. Bench Coach Robinson Chirinos will remain in his same role.
The Orioles also relieved Major League Field Coordinator/Catching Instructor Tim Cossins of his duties.
“We thank Tim for his tremendous contributions to the organization over the years,” said Elias.
The Orioles are hitting .192 with runners in scoring position, the worst mark in baseball. Top prospects Heston Kjerstad and Coby Mayo haven’t produced much, and injuries to Colton Cowser, Jordan Westburg and Tyler O’Neill have hurt the lineup as well. And, the pitching staff could afford health problems even less. Rodriguez and reliever Andrew Kittredge haven’t pitched at all this year, and Zach Eflin missed time as well.
The team’s poor start has put Elias under scrutiny after what looked like a very successful rebuild. If the Orioles don’t climb back into contention this year, he will be under a lot of pressure next offseason to bring the team back to the path it appeared to be on less than a year ago.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.