Andrew Friedman: Mattingly will 'definitely' be Dodgers' manager

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ new president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman told reporters Friday that Don Mattingly will “definitely” remain as the team's manager next season.

The Los Angeles Dodgers' new president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman told reporters Friday that Don Mattingly will “definitely” remain as the team's manager next season.

Friedman, 37, was the general manager of the Tampa Bay Rays before being hired by the Dodgers Tuesday. During his introductory press conference, he said that his and Mattingly’s thoughts were “very aligned.”

Friedman’s statement comes after rumors that Mattingly would be replaced by Joe Maddon, the longtime manager of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Earlier this week, Maddon insisted that he’d like to remain in Tampa Bay. “I want to continue to be a Ray,” Maddon told the Los Angeles Times.

• CORCORAN: The keys to Royals-Giants World Series

The Dodgers lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in the playoffs for the second consecutive year, prompting reorganization within the front office. The hiring of Friedman and the reassigning of GM Ned Colletti to senior advisor to president Stan Kasten led to speculation that Mattingly’s job was also on the line.

Mattingly has been the Dodgers’ manager since 2011 and has two years left in his contract. 

- Danielle Zhu