Pirates Won't Confirm Manager Clint Hurdle's Return

PITTSBURGH, PA - Despite a train wreck of a baseball season, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle believes he will return to the team in 2020. Pirates management, however, won't confirm the skipper's return.

Hurdle told The Athletic on Wednesday he's been assured by the organization that he will be back next year for his tenth season with the team. If that occurs, he'll become the longest-tenured manager in baseball as San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy and Kansas City Royals manager Ned Yost are retiring at the end of the season.

Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington did not guarantee Hurdle will be back in a statement issued Wednesday night."As we have in the past, we will publicly address any personnel decisions at the end of the season," he said.

Speculation about both Hurdle and Huntington's future has been rampant as the Pirates conclude a miserable season riddled by injuries, clubhouse fights involving players and coaches and the recent arrest of pitcher Felipe Vazquez on child sex abuse charges. The Pirates are guaranteed a last-place finish in the National League Central.