Hargrove resigns as Mariners’ manager

Mike Hargrove resigned as manager of the Seattle Mariners on Sunday, saying his “passion has begun to fade” for baseball even though his team is the hottest club in the majors.

Hargrove, who managed Sunday’s victory over Toronto, will be succeeded by John McLaren, his bench coach. McLaren’s first game will be today against Kansas City.

“There are no dark, sinister reasons for this decision. This has been my decision,” Hargrove, 57, said before his final game as manager.

Mariners Chief Executive Howard Lincoln said before the season that Hargrove and General Manager Bill Bavasi were on his “hot seat” after three straight last-place finishes in the AL West. But Hargrove is resigning just as Seattle was beginning to think perhaps he might deserve a contract extension. The Mariners, who have won eight in a row, are four games behind the Angels in the division.

Hargrove, 192-210 with the Mariners, was in the final season of a three-year contract.

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Manager Jerry Narron was fired by the Cincinnati Reds, who raised their payroll and their expectations in the off-season only to find themselves with the worst record (31-51) in the major leagues.

Advance scout Pete Mackanin was chosen interim manager.

The Reds are on a pace for their first 100-loss season since 1982, with the move coming hours after an 11-7 loss to St. Louis.

Owner Bob Castellini and General Manager Wayne Krivsky declined to comment until a news conference today.

Narron was 157-179 with the Reds.

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Detroit acquired right-handed reliever Jose Capellan from Milwaukee for minor league pitcher Chris Cody. The Brewers also activated left-hander Chris Capuano, who had been on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained left groin. ... Toronto right-hander A.J. Burnett was put on the 15-day DL because of a right shoulder strain.