Braves hire Brian Snitker as manager

Brian Snitker was hired by the Atlanta Braves as manager.

The Braves finished last in the National League East but won 20 of their final 30 games under Snitker, who became interim manager May 17 after Fredi Gonzalez was fired.

Snitker, who turns 61 next week, was hired for the 2017 season with a club option for 2018. He said the contract won’t be a problem. He had a 59-65 record, including 37-35 after the All-Star break.

He said the contract won’t be a problem.

“No, I trust everybody,” Snitker told the Associated Press in a telephone interview from the team’s organizational meetings in Orlando, Florida.

“I understand how all this works. I’m good with it. Would I like a five-year deal? Absolutely, but I’m good. I’m going to go do the best job I can regardless of the contract situation. It’s something I don’t think will ever be a stickler for me at this point.”

Etc.

Kansas City Royals right-hander Chris Young, 37, had core muscle surgery. Young was 3-9 with a 6.19 earned-run average this season. He is 79-67 with a 3.87 ERA in 12 seasons. ... New York Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia had arthroscopic knee surgery. Sabathia, 36, was 9-12 with a 3.91 ERA, his lowest ERA since 2012.