Padres fire Gm Byrnes
San Diego Padres second baseman Jace Peterson (center) throws to first after getting the ball from shortstop Everth Cabrera (left) as Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Scott Van Slyke (33) slides into second after being forced out at Petco Park. The runner at first was safe. REUTERS

The labouring San Diego Padres have let go of general manager Josh Byrnes Sunday minutes before the team's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The decision was viewed by many to be tied to the team's continuous struggle this season, posting the Padres 32-43 record, which is 12 1/2 games back in the NL West during an injury-plagued season. The Padres' misfortune can also be tied to bad luck with injuries which was suffered by 14 players on the roster.

Nevertheless, the Padres which increased its payroll by $40 million slating the total team salary at $89,881,696 showed little improvement at all facets.

Yahoo! Sports reports that Padres President and CEO Mike Dee said in the statement the team will immediately conduct the search for new general manager. In the meantime, senior vice president for baseball operations Omay Minaya and assistant general managers AJ Hinch and Fred Uhlman Jr., will co-handle the responsibilities vacated by Byrnes.

''This ownership group is committed to fielding a team that consistently competes for postseason play,'' Dee said. ''Thus far this season, the results on the field have been mixed at best and clearly have not lived up to expectations. After a lengthy evaluation of every facet of our baseball operations, we have decided to make this change today.''

Byrnes was named senior vice president for basketball operations by the Padres in December 2010 and was highly touted by the team for his expertise in scouting and player development. However, most of his personnel movement and development came through trades. He got top-line starter Andrew Cashner for prospect Anthony Rizzo to the Cubs which many perceived was a win while he also dealt starting pitcher Mat Latos for an assortment of players in infielder Yasmani Grandal, Edinson Volquez, Brad Boxberger and catcher Yonder Alonso.

Byrnes was the former general manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks who also let him go in the middle of an eight year deal. The Padres snatched him up after the said release.