With 10 games left in the season, The Texas Rangers parted ways with manager Jeff Banister Friday.
The team said bench coach Don Wakamatsu will serve as interim manager through the remainder of the 2018 season, beginning with Friday night's home game against the Mariners. The Rangers have three games at home this weekend before their final seven on the road.
Banister, 54, has served as the team's manager for the last four seasons -- the last two of which were losing seasons.
“I informed Jeff Banister of our decision earlier today,” said Rangers President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Jon Daniels. “I want to thank Jeff for his dedication and efforts with the Texas Rangers over the last four years. This organization is very appreciative of what he has contributed to the club on the field and in the community.
Banister released a statement Friday afternoon, saying:
“I want to thank Rangers ownership and Jon Daniels for giving me this opportunity. We had some great times here, but it doesn’t last forever. I also want to thank the coaches, field staff, and especially the players who made it an honor for me to wear the Rangers uniform. And to the fans, I can’t tell you how much I have appreciated your support and kind words over the last four years. I certainly regret that we were not able to make a deeper playoff run for you in 2015 and 2016. Certainly I am disappointed that I was not able to finish the job. But this has been the experience of a lifetime. Thank you.”
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“This was not an easy decision and comes after a long period of evaluation. However, we feel that a change in the leadership of our Major League club is necessary as we move forward. Once this conclusion was reached, I felt it was appropriate to make the move now. On behalf of the entire organization, I wish Jeff and his family the best.”
Banister has a record of 325-313 since being appointed as the 18th full-time manager in club history on October 16, 2014.
The Dallas Morning News reports Banister is due $950,000 for the 2019 season.
