DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Tigers’ disappointing season cost Al Avila his job.
Avila was fired as Detroit’s general manager on Wednesday, ending a seven-year tenure without a playoff appearance.
“I wish the results would have been better this season,” Avila said in a statement released by the team. “But know there is a lot to look forward to in the coming years.”
Owner Chris Ilitch announced the move with his team mired in another disappointing season. Detroit entered Wednesday at 43-68, last in the AL Central.
“Our progress certainly stalled this season,” Ilitch said a couple hours before the Tigers hosted Cleveland.
Ilitch invested millions in the offseason in an attempt to return his team to contention.
“All of us — the players, front office and many of you (reporters) — had high expectations and excitement for the season,” he said. “Unfortunately, we did not see progress this season at the major league level. Big reason why I decided it’s time to make a change.”
The Cuban-born Avila was the only current Latino general manager or equivalent in MLB, which has few minorities in leading front-office positions.
Chicago White Sox executive vice president Kenny Williams is the only Black leader of baseball operations for any club, Marlins GM Kim Ng is the only woman and Asian-American in that role, and Giants president Farhan Zaidi, who is of Pakistani descent, is the only Muslim.
Tigers assistant general manager Sam Menzin takes over the day-to-day leadership role.
Avila was promoted to general manager on Aug. 4, 2015, after serving as Dave Dombrowski’s assistant.
Avila’s chance to lead the team coincided with a rebuilding process that prevented him from making short-term moves to win.
In hopes of long-term gain,…