Manny Acta is out, and Jim Riggleman is in as the Washington Nationals manager.

The Nationals made the announcement yesterday morning, confirming what took place Sunday night after the team returned from a road trip. Acta was fired with a 26-61 record, the worst in baseball, and bench coach Riggleman was chosen the interim replacement.

Riggleman has managed the Padres, Cubs and Mariners, compiling a 522-652 record over nine seasons.

Acta joins Colorado's Clint Hurdle and Arizona's Bob Melvin as major league managers who have been fired this season.

"We feel that the team has underacheived," acting general manager Mike Rizzo said during a news conference. "We feel we have a better ballclub that has been shown on the field."

Acta was 158-252 over 2 1/2 seasons in his first managerial job, and the team's winning percentage dropped progressively from Year 1 until now, although his record had much to do with the talent — or lack thereof — assembled for him by the front office.

The Nationals opened this season without a reliable bullpen and fielded a lineup with numerous defensive liabilities. For a while, the starting rotation consisted of four rookies and one second-year player.

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