Arizona Sticks With Manager Tony Lovullo, Picks Up His Club Option For 2023

By Jordan Long

The Arizona Diamondbacks stand at 61-67, 29 games behind the L.A. Dodgers for 1st place in the National League West Division.  They are also 9.5 games behind the San Diego Padres for the 3rd and final Wild Card spot in the National League.  Despite the record, Arizona has picked up the club option on Manager Torey Lovullo.  He will be back for the 2023 season.

                Lovullo has been Arizona’s manager since 2017.  Arizona ended up 93-69 in his first season earning a Wild Card spot in the National League.   Arizona beat the Colorado Rockies in the Wild Card Game, 11-8. Unfortunately, they were swept in the Divisional Series by the L.A. Dodgers, outscored in that series 20 to 11.  After that, there were higher expectations for this ball club.

                Arizona didn’t even make the postseason after 2017.  In 2018 and 2019, they finished with a winning record.  2018 they were 82-80 and in 2019 Arizona’s record was 85-77.  Following 2019, it has been all downhill for Arizona. In the COVID shortened year, 2020, Arizona ended at 25-35.  Last season was the first time since 2004 they lost 100+ games in a season. They stood at 52-100.

                It was a surprise Lovullo was brought back after a 100+ loss season.  Arizona may have thought last year was a fluke.  Arizona is playing better baseball this year even though they are most likely going to miss the postseason for the 5^th year in a row. Even so, Arizona decided to pick up the club option on Lovullo’s contract, meaning he will be the Manager next season.

                According to ESPN.com, Lovullo said, “I’m honored that this organization has put the faith in me … that I’m able to go ahead and lead this team for the rest of this year and next year. I don’t want to let them down. This is my home. My wife and I love the Valley, and I couldn’t think of a better situation to be in with great ownership, great leadership.”

                Lovullo is lucky he is returning.  His overall record as Manager of the Diamondbacks is 398-438, a winning percentage of .476.  He also only has 1 playoff appearance with Arizona.  Most franchises would have moved on and started a managerial search.  Arizona is anticipating next season is the year they compete for at least a Wild Card spot.  If Lovullo fails to do so, it will be time for a new manager.  At least Lovullo has one more year to turn this team back into a playoff team.