Brian Snitker named Braves manager for 2017 season

Brian Snitker has been named the manager of theAtlanta Bravesfor the 2017 season with a club option for 2018, the team announced Tuesday.

Snitker, 60, guided the Braves to a 59-65 record as the team's interim manager this past season. He took over for Fredi Gonzalez, who was fired in May after the Braves got off to a 9-28 start.

The Braves finished last in the National League East but won 20 of their last 30 games under Snitker.The Braves were 37-35 after the All-Star break.

Despite the strong finish under Snitker, the Braves also interviewed coaches Eddie Perez, Terry Pendleton and Bo Porter and former major league managers Bud Black and Ron Washington during their managerial search process.

Washington was named the Braves' third-base coach Tuesday. Chuck Hernandez was named the pitching coach. Snitker's staff also includes bench coach Terry Pendleton, first-base coach Eddie Perez, hitting coach Kevin Seitzer, assistant hitting coach Jose Castro and bullpen coach Marty Reed.

Snitker broke in with the Atlanta organization as a 21-year-old rookie league catcher in 1977. He managed 2,571 games in the minor leagues and spent more than 10 years as a major league coach before finally getting his opportunity to run Atlanta's big league club.

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

Hernandez, 55, was the Braves' minor league pitching coordinator this season, his 31st as a coach. He was the Marlins' pitching coach from 2013-15. The Marlins' 3.71 ERA in 2013 and 3.78 in 2014 were the two best in franchise history.

"He spent the 2016 season working closely with many of our young, talented pitchers who will be such an important part of our future,'' Coppolella said.

Washington, 64, spent the past two seasons on Oakland's coaching staff after managing the Rangers from 2007 to 2014.

Coppolella said Washington's experience as a manager "will be an asset to everyone on the club. His tireless work ethic, upbeat attitude and tremendously high baseball IQ will benefit our players and our staff.''

ESPN's Jerry Crasnick and The Associated Press contributed to this report.