Overview

• The decision follows Washington’s worst stretch of the season, with the team going 7–19 in June and sitting 37–53 in last place in the NL East.
• Martinez departed as the franchise’s winningest manager (500–622) and Rizzo left after 17 years overseeing baseball operations, both celebrated for their roles in the Nationals’ 2019 World Series title.
• Owner Mark D. Lerner praised their past successes but cited the need for “fresh approach and new energy” given prolonged offensive struggles and consecutive losing records since 2019.
• Mike DeBartolo, formerly senior vice president and assistant GM, will lead baseball operations as interim general manager and the club will name an interim field manager on July 7.
• The decision coincides with the team holding the No. 1 overall pick in next week’s MLB draft and facing the July 31 trade deadline.