Jim Riggleman to Manage the Nationals

After Manny Acta got fired as manager of the Washington Nationals, the name that immediately popped up as a possible replacement was Jim Riggleman. On Monday, Riggleman officially took over as the Nationals new manager.

Currently, Washington has a 26-61 record — which is good enough for the worst record in all of baseball. After finishing with the worst record last year, Riggleman will have his work cut out for him in regards to changing the atmosphere in the Nationals clubhouse.

Washington’s main problem is their pitching. They’ve given up 489 runs so far this season. Only the Cleveland Indians have given up more runs. The Nationals have actually put 381 runs on the board, which is in the middle of the pack.

Mike Rizzo, who is currently the Nationals general manager, thinks the change to Riggleman could help the ballclub put more wins on the board.

Said Rizzo: “We feel with a different voice and possibly a different feel in the clubhouse that we can have a more successful second half of the season.”

Manny Acta Fired (Image: Zuma Press)