Just as the Nationals’ managerial search appeared to be poised to enter a more advanced phase, a development on the other side of the country could throw some wrenches into the plan.
Don Mattingly’s departure from Los Angeles early Thursday morning will have ripple effects across the majors, with the former All-Star first baseman now available for hire elsewhere and an attractive Dodgers job now open for several candidates already up for other managerial positions, including in Washington.
Given general manager Mike Rizzo’s stated preference for a new manager with experience, Mattingly would be a logical candidate at least to speak with the Nationals.