The Atlanta Braves named Brian Snitker manager on Tuesday, rewarding him for reversing the team's direction in his role as interim manager this season.
The Braves finished last in the NL East but won 20 of their last 30 games under Snitker, who was named interim manager on May 17 after Fredi Gonzalez was fired. Snitker had a 59-65 record, including 37-35 after the All-Star break.
Despite the strong finish under Snitker, the Braves also interviewed former managers Bud Black and Ron Washington.
Washington was named the Braves' third-base coach and Chuck Hernandez was named pitching coach. Snitker's staff also includes bench coach Terry Pendleton, first base coach Eddie Perez, hitting coach Kevin Seitzer, assistant hitting coach Jose Castro and bullpen coach Marty Reed.
Snitker, 61, was not given much long-term security. He was hired only for the 2017 season with a club option for 2018.
When Snitker, a longtime manager in the Braves' farm system, was named Atlanta's interim manager, it was widely thought the team would look outside the organization for a new skipper to take the team into its first season in new SunTrust Park.
Instead, Snitker won over the players and front office. Atlanta was 9-28 when Gonzalez was fired and appeared bound for 100 losses at 18-46 before it began a dramatic turnaround under Snitker.
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"Brian earned this opportunity through his dedication to the Braves and to our players," general manager John Coppolella said in a statement released by the team. "We are excited for the energy and momentum he will bring into SunTrust Park next season."
The 2017 season will mark Snitker's 41st in the Braves organization. He had been the manager at Triple-A Gwinnett before replacing Gonzalez on an interim basis.
Atlanta's strong finish under Snitker, bolstered by the additions of rookie shortstop Dansby Swanson and veteran left fielder Matt Kemp, boosted expectations for next season.
Braves president John Hart said last week the season had been "spiraling out of control" before Snitker "restored order."
Hernandez, 55, was the Braves' minor league pitching coordinator this season, his 31st as a coach. He was the Marlins' pitching coach from 2013-15. The Marlins' 3.71 ERA in 2013 and 3.78 in 2014 were the two best in franchise history.
"He spent the 2016 season working closely with many of our young, talented pitchers who will be such an important part of our future," Coppolella said.
Washington, 64, spent the last two seasons on Oakland's coaching staff after managing the Texas Rangers from 2007 to 2014.
Coppolella said Washington's experience as a manager "will be an asset to everyone on the club. His tireless work ethic, up-beat attitude and tremendously high baseball IQ will benefit our players and our staff."
Dodgers: Kershaw to pitch Game 4 on short rest
LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers will bring back Game 1 winner Clayton Kershaw on short rest Tuesday to face the Washington Nationals in a critical Game 4 of the National League Division Series.
The Dodgers lost 8-3 Monday, dropping them into a 2-1 deficit in the best-of-five series.
Kershaw, who allowed eight hits and three runs in the Dodgers' Game 1 win on Friday, will step in for Dodgers rookie Julio Urias, who made two starts against the Nationals this season. Urias allowed two runs and six hits in five innings of a no-decision at home on June 22. The left-hander allowed one run in four innings on July 21 at Washington. The Dodgers won both games.
The Nationals will go with right-hander Joe Ross.
Yankees: CC Sabathia undergoes surgery on right knee
NEW YORK -- Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia has had surgery on his troublesome right knee.
New York head team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad performed the arthroscopic procedure Tuesday at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. The team described it as "a routine cleanup" and said Sabathia is expected to be ready for spring training.
A 36-year-old left-hander, Sabathia pitched with a brace on the knee this year and went 9-12 with a 3.91 ERA, his lowest ERA since 2012.
He is due $25 million next year, the final season of his contract.
Angels: Kole Calhoun to have core muscle surgery
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Los Angeles Angels outfielder Kole Calhoun is having surgery on a bilateral core muscle injury.
The Angels announced Dr. William Myers is performing the surgery Tuesday in Philadelphia.
Calhoun will need at least six weeks of recovery time, but he is expected to head into spring training with no limitations.
Calhoun batted .271 with 18 homers and 75 RBIs this season, his third full big-league campaign. The injury didn't impede him from participating in the entire season, and he played well in September.
The 2015 Gold Glove winner in right field was among the Angels' few bright spots in their worst season since 1999, although his numbers were down from his 26 homers and 83 RBIs last year.
