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Report: D-backs could end Stewart's tenure after 2 years

Ralph Freso / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Dave Stewart's option comes up at the end of the month, and he could reportedly be on the hot seat, according to Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball.

Stewart recently commented that describing the 2016 season as "rough" was "an understatement," which has apparently not gone over very well with the team's front office.

The second-year GM - alongside Chief Baseball Officer Tony La Russa - continues to handle the backlash from a controversial trade with the Atlanta Braves to acquire right-hander Shelby Miller. Arizona parted with the No. 1 overall pick from the 2015 draft, Dansby Swanson, as well as pitching prospect Aaron Blair, and outfielder Ender Inciarte.

“We’ve done a pretty good job of putting players in our system," Stewart said to Heyman. "When we came in, the major-league team was not very good and the minor-league system was not very good.”

Swanson made his MLB debut Wednesday in Atlanta, while Miller was optioned to Triple-A in mid-July. The 25-year-old Miller was a disaster for the Diamondbacks in the first half, posting a 7.14 ERA and allowing 55 earned runs over 69 innings. He's a season removed from his first All-Star nod.

Not only is the Miller trade being criticized, but the D-backs are tied for last in the division and sit 14 games out of first place. It's hardly what the 2016 plan was, especially after locking Zack Greinke into a pricey six-year, $206.5-million contract in the offseason.

Stewart doesn't seem fazed by the lack of success, and Heyman credits him for his deals for Welington Castillo, Jean Segura, Rubby De La Rosa, Robbie Ray, and a handful of prospects.

“In my opinion I’ve had two good years,” Stewart said.

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