ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Cardinals aren’t accustomed to stretches of mediocrity, and certainly not to reports of clubhouse unrest.
The prospect of a third straight year without a postseason berth has spelled the end for manager Mike Matheny.
Matheny was stunningly fired Saturday night following an 8-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds, a defeat that dropped St. Louis to 47-46 and seven games back of the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs.
Bench coach Mike Shildt was named the team’s interim manager. Hitting coach John Mabry and assistant hitting coach Bill Mueller were also fired.
The Cardinals haven’t missed three straight postseasons since 1997-99.