FLUSHING, N.Y., June 13 (UPI) -- Steve Phillips was fired as general manager of the New York Mets Thursday.
Assistant Jim Duquette was named as the interim general manager for the remainder of the season and will be given consideration for the job on a full-time basis.
The Mets are in last place in the National League East with a 28-35 record after finishing in last place last season.
"It was my hope we would be able to turn it around," Mets owner Fred Wilpon said.
Phillips often clashed with Bobby Valentine and Wilpon elected to fire Valentine last season after the Mets finished last in the East with a 75-86 record.
Art Howe was hired as manager and Phillips was given another opportunity to resurrect a franchise that has been in decline since advancing to the World Series in 2000 and losing to the New York Yankees in five games.
