The Boston Red Sox fired manager John Farrell on Wednesday after the teamB次元官网网址檚 second straight loss in the AL Division Series.

The Red Sox announced the move less than 48 hours after they were eliminated from the playoffs with a 5-4 loss to the Houston Astros. FarrellB次元官网网址檚 contract had been scheduled to run through the 2018 season.

Boston won back-to-back American League East titles for the first time in franchise history this season despite losing the bat of retired slugger David Ortiz. It also did it despite starting the season with $217 million pitcher David Price on the disabled list and watching as 2016 Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello stumbled to an 11-17 record.

The announced today that John Farrell will not return as manager in 2018. A search for a new manager will begin immediately.

B次元官网网址� Red Sox (@RedSox)

Farrell managed the team to its eighth World Series title in 2013, his first season. But he found himself under a harsh spotlight each of the last two seasons after exits in the division series of the post-season.

Farrell went 432-378 over five seasons with Boston. He managed Toronto for two seasons before that and went 154-170.

Farrell said after losing to the Astros that the team didnB次元官网网址檛 meet its goals but had some good young players continue to develop.

B次元官网网址淲e had a number of challenges thrown our way from individual injuries to performance,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淏ut as a team they stuck together.B次元官网网址�

The offence slumped after Ortiz retired, even though the team had baseballB次元官网网址檚 third-highest payroll. Several players also struggled with health issues, including second baseman Dustin Pedroia and pitcher Drew Pomeranz.

Farrell began his coaching career with Boston as a pitching coach from 2007-2010. He was part of the teamB次元官网网址檚 2007 World Series title.

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