(The Sports Xchange) - The Washington Nationals have won four National League East division titles since 2012 under three different managers.
But the Nationals are still looking for a postseason series win and some stability in the dugout, as the club announced Friday that manager Dusty Baker will not return in 2018 after his two-year contract expired.
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The Detroit Tigers opted for experience in their managerial search and announced the appointment of Ron Gardenhire to run the club with a three-year contract.
Gardenhire, who turns 60 on Tuesday, is deeply familiar with the American League Central after spending 13 seasons in the division as manager of the Minnesota Twins. Minnesota made six postseason appearances during his tenure from 2002-2014.
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Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy underwent surgery to repair damage to the articular cartilage in his right knee, the team announced.
Murphy, 32, will begin the rehab process immediately.
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Tigers general manager Al Avila announced that the team will not pick up the $16 million club option on right-hander Anibal Sanchez.
Instead the Tigers will pay him a $5 million buyout.
Sanchez, 34, had a difficult season. He was 3-7 with a 6.41 ERA in 28 appearances, including 17 starts. He allowed 26 home runs in 105 1/3 innings.