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The Atlanta Braves have made it official, Brian Snitker will return as manager after the team announced that they have exercised the option on his contract. The team did not make any further announcements on the coaching staff but said those would follow in the coming weeks.
“Brian is a life-long Brave who has earned the respect and admiration of our players, staff and front office,” Braves President of Baseball Operations John Hart said. “He has devoted his last 42 years to this organization and has proven that he is dedicated to guiding the team through this transition period. We are excited to have him back in the dugout to lead our club next season.”
Bringing back Snitker was the expected move after the resignation of general manager John Coppolella’s earlier this week.
Snitker was named interim manager replacing Fredi Gonzalez on May 16, 2016 and had the interim tag removed on October 11, 2016. He has a career record of 131-155.
Changes to the coaching staff are expected with reports that bench coach Terry Pendleton and first base Eddie Perez are the most likely candidates to be replaced. Pitching coach Chuck Hernandez is also reportedly a candidate to be replaced.