SHOCKWAVES ACROSS THE MLB: Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick makes an uncontroversial decision to sacked the team’s Head Coach Torey Lovullo because He… 

Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick makes an uncontroversial decision to sacked the team’s Head Coach Torey Lovullo because He…

In a move that many around the league are calling “uncontroversial but significant,” Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick announced Friday that the organization is parting ways with longtime manager Torey Lovullo. The decision comes in the wake of a disappointing first half of the 2025 season, and signals a potential philosophical shift for a franchise searching for a consistent winning formula.

Lovullo, who has managed the Diamondbacks since 2017, was the longest-tenured manager in franchise history and one of the more respected figures in the sport. He led the team to a surprise World Series appearance in 2023, reigniting hopes in the Valley of the Sun. But two years removed from that Cinderella run, Arizona has struggled to find its rhythm, hovering below .500 and falling out of contention in the increasingly competitive National League West.

“After careful consideration, we’ve decided that it’s time for a new voice to lead our clubhouse,” Kendrick said in a statement released Friday morning. “Torey has been a vital part of our organization for nearly a decade, and we are deeply grateful for everything he’s contributed. This decision is not a reflection of one moment or one season, but rather a step we believe is necessary for our long-term success.”

Kendrick emphasized that the decision was made with full respect for Lovullo’s leadership and professionalism. “This was not a reactionary move,” he told reporters at Chase Field. “We didn’t make this change because of a losing streak or a single tough month. It’s about the bigger picture, and about where we want this franchise to go in the years ahead.”

Lovullo, 59, exits with a 593–635 regular season record over parts of nine seasons. His tenure included two postseason appearances, highlighted by the team’s thrilling 2023 postseason run that saw them sweep the Dodgers and upset the Phillies en route to an unexpected National League pennant. That campaign was seen as a turning point for the team and a validation of the club’s rebuilding strategy.

But the following seasons failed to match that success. Injuries, inconsistent pitching, and an underperforming offense plagued the 2024 season, and 2025 hasn’t fared much better. While expectations were tempered heading into the year, internal hopes remained high for a playoff push behind rising stars like Corbin Carroll and Jordan Lawlar.

Multiple sources close to the organization said the decision was discussed quietly over the past several weeks, and was ultimately agreed upon by both Kendrick and General Manager Mike Hazen. Hazen, who brought Lovullo with him from Boston back in 2016, acknowledged the emotional difficulty of the move.

“Torey is more than a colleague—he’s a friend,” Hazen said Friday afternoon. “But sometimes, in this game, tough decisions have to be made for the health of the team. We’re grateful for everything he’s done, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”

In the interim, bench coach Jeff Banister will serve as acting manager while the team conducts a thorough search for a permanent replacement. Kendrick indicated that both internal and external candidates will be considered, and that the organization is prioritizing “leadership, innovation, and alignment with our core values.”

Reaction around the league has been largely respectful. Many in baseball acknowledged the logic behind the decision, praising Lovullo’s time in Arizona while recognizing the organization’s need to evolve.

“Lovullo’s a great baseball man and he’ll land on his feet,” said an NL executive who spoke anonymously. “But it’s not shocking. The D-backs have hit a plateau, and sometimes you need a new perspective to break through.”

For fans, the move marks the end of an era. Lovullo was well-regarded in the community, known for his steady demeanor, open communication, and genuine passion for the game. His rapport with players, especially young talent, helped build a foundation during some of the team’s more difficult years.

As for what’s next, Kendrick was clear: “This is not a rebuild. We believe in this roster. We believe in the people here. But we also believe in accountability and progress. Our goal is sustained excellence, not just flashes of success.”

With the All-Star break looming, the Diamondbacks now face a pivotal few months—not just on the field, but in the front office. The search for a new manager begins immediately, and with young talent in place, Arizona remains a team with potential. Whether this move is the catalyst they need remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: the Diamondbacks, and Ken Kendrick, are making it clear they’re not content with standing still.