Dusty Baker smiled when he thought about his upcoming schedule: Game Thursday afternoon, then a flight back to the bay area to see his son, Darren, graduate from high school. There is even some fishing in his future on a rare off day next week.
Baker will leave after Thursday’s series finale with the Seattle Mariners. Bench coach Chris Speier will manage in Baker’s place during a three-game series this weekend against the San Diego Padres, who enter Thursday in last place in the National League West.
The Nationals start a three-game series in San Francisco on Monday, which lines Baker up for an easy return to the team.