SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The San Diego Padres, who began the season with high expectations thanks to a high-profile overhaul of their roster, fired longtime manager Bud Black on Monday after limping to a weak start.
In an offseason frenzy, general manager A.J. Preller add Matt Kemp from the rival Dodgers, as well as Justin Upton, Wil Myers, Derek Norris and James Shields. But the Padres entered Monday night's game at home against the Athletics with a 32-33 record and in third place behind the Dodgers and San Francisco Giants.
The team said that it was immediately beginning a search for an interim manager to take over for the rest of the season. Bench coach Dave Roberts was tapped to serve as manager against Oakland.
Black was hired in 2006, compiling a 649-713 record during his time at the helm. He was named 2010 National League manager of the year after leading the Padres to 90-72 record, the most wins by San Diego since a franchise-record 98 in 1998.
But the Padres haven't had a winning season since 2010 and last year finished 18 games behind Los Angeles in the NL West. They haven't been to the postseason since 2006.
Black was in the final year of his contract.
