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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

San Diego Padres General Manager A.J. Preller appointed Pat Murphy as interim manager of the club for the rest of the season.

Murphy, who joined the organisation in 2010 as a special assistant to baseball operations, was interviewed for the position along with other candidates.

“I’ve got a ton to learn. But yeah, I started thinking about it a little more, as maybe something that might be fun,” Murphy said referring to his new position in Padres.

U-T San Diego reports that one of Preller’s factor in assigning Murphy as interim manager is continuity.

“When you look for a manager, you’re looking for guys that can connect with young players, guys who aren’t afraid to challenge somebody, guys that can hopefully get some veteran players to play as well as they have in the past,” Padres’ GM.

He also added that Murphy’s 30 years of experience in coaching and managing, and success at every level contributed well in his decision. The 56 year-old Murphy is in his sixth season with Padres and had a 1,000-457-4 career coaching record in the collegiate ranks, which includes four Pac-10 Coach of the year Awards while managing Arizona State.

He also managed Padres’ Triple-A affiliate El Paso Chihuahua to a 180-172 record over the past three seasons.

On Monday, San Diego Padres fired Bud Black after the team had gotten off to a 32-33 start. David Roberts was tapped as the interim manager, but immediately assigned back as Padres’ bench coach.

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