Tigers won't bring Ausmus back as manager
Brad Ausmus' time in the Motor City is winding down.
The Detroit Tigers officially announced Friday that the club will not extend the 48-year-old's contract beyond 2017 following another disappointing campaign. A number of the team's best players were traded during the season, including Justin Verlander, J.D. Martinez, and Justin Upton.
Ausmus, who will finish the season with the Tigers, said he understood the team's decision.
"We didn't win," Ausmus told Katie Strang of The Athletic. "I'm the manager. I'm the leader. I'll shoulder that."
Detroit sits fourth in the American League Central at 62-91.
"As we transition the ballclub in a new direction, I feel it's best we have a new approach and a fresh start with the manager position," general manager Al Avila said in a press release. "Brad has done an admirable job under, at times, difficult circumstances, especially this season, and we appreciate his professionalism and dedication to the Tigers the past four years.
"Our search for a new manager is underway. We plan to keep an open mind in considering current members of the coaching staff for positions in 2018, but that will be in conjunction with the manager we hire."
Ausmus joined the Tigers as manager in 2014 and owns a 312-325 record during his time with the franchise.