ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Arizona Diamondbacks fire pitching coach Charles Nagy and first base coach Steve Sax

Oct 8, 2013, 4:51 AM | Updated: 5:13 pm

Following a second straight disappointing season, the Arizona Diamondbacks were expected to make some moves to shake up their coaching staff.

Late Monday, word leaked that they had done just that, and the team made the announcement Tuesday morning that it had relieved pitching coach Charles Nagy and first base coach Steve Sax of their duties.

AZDiamondbacks.com’s Steve Gilbert talked with Nagy Monday night.

“It’s been a great three years with the Diamondbacks,” Nagy said. “On behalf of me and my family, I’d like to thank the fans in Arizona for their support and the Diamondbacks organization for the opportunity.”

The moves come in the wake of back-to-back poor seasons from Diamondbacks pitchers, who collectively posted earned run averages just below 4.00 in 2012 and 2013, while blowing a major league-worst 29 saves last season.

Nagy spent three years as the Diamondbacks’ pitching coach and his pitchers finished just below National League average in ERA each year.

Sax was named the team’s first base coach in December 2012.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Zac Gallen #23 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches during the first inning Mariners at T-Mobile Par...

Damon Allred

D-backs’ Zac Gallen exits during at-bat vs. Mariners; 2 minor leaguers also sustain injuries

Zac Gallen had to leave Friday's series-opening loss to the Mariners in Seattle, after two minor leaguers sustained injuries earlier.

10 hours ago

J.P. Crawford of the Seattle Mariners reacts after grounding out on April 9, 2024. (Kevin Sousa/Get...

Damon Allred

Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford lands on 10-day IL ahead of series against Arizona Diamondbacks

The Seattle Mariners will be without their starting shortstop and leadoff hitter when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks this weekend.

2 days ago

Jordan Montgomery...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ lack of execution spoils Jordan Montgomery outing vs. Cardinals

Jordan Montgomery's quality start gave the Arizona Diamondbacks every opportunity to break Wednesday's series finale at the Cardinals open.

3 days ago

Arizona Diamondbacks logo...

Haboob Blog

Diamondbacks minor leaguer accomplishes rare 5-strikeout inning

D-backs RHP prospect Jhosmer Alvarez struck out five hitters in a single inning for Single-A Visalia against the Inland Empire 66ers.

3 days ago

Corbin Carroll swings and breaks his bat...

Arizona Sports

Corbin Carroll slides to 7th in Diamondbacks’ batting order vs. Cardinals

The Arizona Diamondbacks are shaking up the lineup against the St. Louis Cardinals with Corbin Carroll sliding down the batting order.

3 days ago

D-backs assistant GM Mike Fitzgerald joins Wolf & Luke to discuss recent injuries to the team, incl...

Bailey Leasure

Assistant GM Mike Fitzgerald: It’s hard to read the Diamondbacks due to injuries

D-backs assistant general manager Mike Fitzgerald admitted judging Arizona has been difficult considering the rash of injuries.

3 days ago

Arizona Diamondbacks fire pitching coach Charles Nagy and first base coach Steve Sax