The cellar-dwelling Chicago White Sox fired manager Pedro Grifol on Thursday, two days after the team snapped an American League record-tying 21-game losing streak.
The team did not announce an interim replacement for Grifol but said that a new skipper will be announced at the conclusion of the season.
The White Sox dropped to 28-89 with Wednesday’s 3-2 road loss to the Oakland A’s. Entering Thursday’s action, the Colorado Rockies had the next-worst record in the majors at 42-73.
“As we all recognize, our team’s performance this season has been disappointing on many levels,” general manager Chris Getz said in a statement. “Despite the on-field struggles and lack of success, we appreciate the effort and the professionalism Pedro and the staff brought to the ballpark every day.
“These two seasons have been very challenging. Unfortunately, the results were not there, and a change is necessary as we look to our future and the development of new energy around the team.”
Grifol, hired ahead of the 2023 season, leaves with an 89-190 overall record. In addition to the 21-game skid from July 10 through Aug. 5, the White Sox also endured a 14-game losing streak from May 22 to June 6.
The White Sox, who finished 61-101 in 2023, are on pace to lose more than 100 games in back-to-back seasons for the first time in the franchise’s 124-year history.
Grifol, 54, previously worked as a coach for the Kansas City Royals from 2013-22.
The White Sox are off Thursday before hosting the Chicago Cubs for a two-game series on Friday and Saturday.
–Field Level Media
