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Rockies fire Hurdle

Jim Tracy has been named manager in Colorado. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Associated Press
Jim Tracy has been named manager in Colorado. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

The Colorado Rockies fired manager Clint Hurdle on Friday, less than two years after their incredible “Roctober” run to the World Series, and replaced him with bench coach Jim Tracy for the rest of the season.

Without reliable hitting, pitching or defense, the Rockies stumbled to an 18-28 start and were 14 1/2 games behind Los Angeles in the N.L. West heading into Friday night’s action.

“It was been a tremendous ride. It has been life lesson after life lesson,” Hurdle said. “And I will tell you this, the last seven weeks I have said the serenity prayer more times than I did in the last seven years.”

Hurdle was 534-625 for a .460 winning percentage in his seven-plus seasons.

Manny gets votes

Suspended slugger Manny Ramirez should skip the All-Star game even if he’s voted in by fans, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre says.

“No,” Torre said. “I think if you asked Manny, he’d give you the same answer.”

Despite his 50-game suspension for violating baseball’s drug policy, Ramirez is fourth among outfielders in the latest voting tallies.

Clearing the bases

Philadelphia right-hander Brett Myers will have hip surgery and could miss the rest of the season. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Myers has a torn labrum and no date has been set for surgery. … Chicago White Sox outfielder Carlos Quentin went on the 15-day disabled list with plantar fasciitis in his left foot. … The Texas Rangers called up right-hander Tommy Hunter, who debuted with the Spokane Indians in 2007, from Triple-A Oklahoma City to start the first game of the doubleheader against the Oakland Athletics. … The Washington Nationals have promoted right-hander Mike MacDougal, who began his career with the Spokane Indians in 1999, from Triple-A Syracuse and optioned catcher Luke Montz to Double-A Harrisburg. … Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Ryan Doumit, a Moses Lake native, has begun strengthening exercises on his broken right wrist and can catch for pitchers in the bullpen, but is not yet close to returning. … St. Louis placed shortstop Khalil Greene on the 15-day disabled list because of social anxiety disorder. The club activated outfielder Ryan Ludwick from the 15-day DL to fill Greene’s roster spot.