Nationals expected to fire Acta

Manny Acta is likely to be fired soon, perhaps as early as Monday, a National League source confirmed.

Acta, 40, is well-liked by his bosses but appears to be taking the hit for the team's 16-43 start. Nationals bosses feel "something needs to be done,'' a person familiar with their thinking said.

Nationals bosses are said to admire Acta's patience. However, they may not have the same sort of patience. He is 148-234 in his time in Washington.

Nationals president Stan Kasten and interim GM Mike Rizzo did not return phone calls.

The likely firing was first reported by foxsports.com, which said that Jim Riggleman would take over for Acta. Riggleman has managed the Cubs, Padres and Mariners.

It isn't known how the early report of the likely firing might affect the Nationals' thinking. But normally the ultimate decision doesn't change based on the reporting.