The Washington Nationals have fired their pitching coach after a disappointing start to the season.
The Nationals are off to a 13-17 start and are currently in fourth place in the National League East. Despite earning a 2-1 victory on Thursday, the team decided it was time to go in a different direction with their pitching coach, firing Derek Lilliquist due to what Washington GM Mike Rizzo called “preparation issues.”
Pitching coach Derek Lilliquist has been fired. Rizzo said there were “preparation issues” and team wanted a new message and voice. Longtime coordinator Paul Menhart will take over starting tmrw.
— Brittany Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) May 3, 2019
Nationals pitchers have pitched to a 4.78 ERA through 30 games, which is 13th in the National League. Their .253 batting average against is 12th.
Despite Lilliquist’s firing, Rizzo reinforced his support for manager Dave Martinez and said this move doesn’t mean Martinez is on the hot seat.
The removal of a coach is not an indication that Davey Martínez is on thin ice. “I think Davey is doing a great job,” Rizzo said.
— Brittany Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) May 3, 2019
The Nationals have finished either first or second in the division each year since 2011. If they are going to continue that streak, an improvement by their pitchers will go a long way to help.
