Atlanta Braves Name Brian Snitker Manager

ATLANTA, GA — Brian Snitker was named the Atlanta Braves full-time manager.

The announcement came Tuesday morning, according to the team's website.

The club also announced Ron Washington has been named third-base coach and Chuck Hernandez has been named pitching coach. Former third-base coach Bo Porter will become a special assistant to the GM.

"Brian earned this opportunity through his dedication to the Braves and to our players," said Braves general manager John Coppolella. "We are excited for the energy and momentum he will bring into SunTrust Park next season."

Various media outlets, including MLBTradeRumors.com, were reporting that Snitker, who was named interim manager early in the 2016 season, is the leading candidate for the permanent job.

The Braves were reported to be deciding among Snitker, Ron Washington and Bud Black for their managerial position, according to FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman.

• See also: Atlanta Braves Fire Fredi Gonzalez

The Braves began 2016 with a 9-28 record under former manager Fredi Gonzalez, who was fired on May 17. Snitker, 60, led the team to a finishing record of 68-93, including a 37-35 record after the All-Star break.

The Braves also finished the season with a strong home stand against the Philadelphia Phillies, who they swept, and then taking two out of three from the Detroit Tigers, ending the Tigers' chances for a postseason birth.

The Braves begin the 2017 season on April 14 against the San Diego Padres. The team also will start its home games at 7:30 pm in a move the franchise says will alleviate traffic around the new Cobb County stadium.

See also:

• Atlanta Braves Set 2017 Home Opener in SunTrust Park
• Later Braves Games: Better for Traffic or Not?
• Atlanta Braves Post Video Farewell to Turner Field
• New Braves Stadium Apartment Pre-Leasings to Begin in December
• Mizuno, Braves Announce Long-Term Partnership
• Braves Open SunTrust Park On April 13, 2017
• Comcast Building High-Tech Network For Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park
• Wahlburgers, Harley Davidson, Others, Signed at New Atlanta Braves Complex

Image: SunTrust Park