Texas Rangers fire manager Chris Woodward amid season of dissatisfactory progress

The Texas Rangers fired manager Chris Woodward on Monday amid a season of dissatisfactory progress despite the investment of more than a half-billion guaranteed dollars in the free agent market over the winter, the team announced.

The Rangers occupy third place in the American League West with a 51-63 record. Woodward, after his fourth consecutive year with a losing mark, will be replaced by third-base coach Tony Beasley, who has been named interim manager through the remainder of the 2022 season.

«Chris Young and I had the very difficult task of informing Chris Woodward of our decision today,» said Rangers president of baseball operations Jon Daniels in a statement. «In his tenure as Rangers' manager, Chris worked tirelessly under what was at times some difficult circumstances. He has been dedicated and passionate in his efforts to improve the on-field performance of the Texas Rangers, and it is greatly appreciated. He has represented the organization with class and dignity.

»We have had extensive discussions over the last several weeks and while the team's current performance is certainly a big part of this decision, we are also looking at the future. As the Rangers continue to develop a winning culture and put the pieces together to compete for the postseason year in and year out, we felt a change in leadership was necessary at this time.

«On behalf of the entire Texas Rangers organization, we thank Chris and wish him and his family the very best.»

The additions of Corey Seager — with whom Woodward was close from his days as a Los Angeles Dodgers coach — Marcus Semien and Jon Gray this past winter heightened expectations following a 60-102 season in 2021. While the Rangers have played far better this year, with a run