D-Backs relieve 3B coach Larkin of duties after Guardians game

Arizona Diamondbacks third base coach Shaun Larkin was relieved of his duties following a costly miscue in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians.

"At this point and time, I just felt like the best thing for this ball club, for him, for us moving forward is to make this decision," manager Torey Lovullo said, according to Arizona Sports.

"I just made that decision as I was watching this game today. In the best interest of him and this team, that's what needed to happen."

Larkin has received criticism throughout this season for his work at third base, but the scrutiny intensified after he waved Alek Thomas home during the fifth inning of Wednesday's game. Thomas was easily tagged out at the plate on the play, prompting fans on social media to label Larkin as the "worst third base coaching in the history of baseball" and the "worst in the league by a mile."

Lovullo said the D-Backs will look at internal and external replacements for Larkin, who will remain on the staff and continue to work with infielders, according to MLB.com's Steve Gilbert.