Padres interim manager Pat Murphy won’t return in 2016
San Diego Padres interim manager Pat Murphy will not return as team manager for the 2016 season, the Padres announced Sunday.
The Padres promoted Murphy from manager of their Triple-A affiliate in June after they fired Bud Black. With Murphy at the helm, San Diego went 42–53, which he credited to a defense that committed 92 errors and an offense that had an MLB-worst .243 batting average.
“We didn't play good defense. We didn’t score runs the way we needed to, and therefore it affected our pitching,” Murphy said, according to the Associated Press. “There were a lot of injuries and other things that came into play. But all in all, I think for me personally it was a great experience. So I’m very grateful and I’m looking forward to the future.”
Though many predicted the Padres would excel this season, they finished with their fifth consecutive losing record (74–88) in fourth place in the NL West. They have not made the playoffs since 2006.
Despite Murphy’s best efforts, he could not lift the team past its fourth place standing, where it also sat when he assumed the job.
“It was a tough situation for anyone to be thrown into,” second baseman Jedd Gyorko said. “It would be hard for anyone to come in like that. I don’t know if anyone would have been better.”
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