The Houston Astros fired manager Bo Porter on Monday. The Astros are currently 59-79, the second-worst record in the American League.

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Tom Lawless, who worked in Houston's minor league system, was named the interim manager. Firing Porter with a month left in the season gives Houston a head start above other teams who will be searching for a new manager in the offseason.

Porter was in his second year with the Astros after working as a third-base coach for the Washington Nationals. Last season Houston went a franchise-worst 51-111, its third straight 100-loss season. In 300 games as a manager, Porter's .367 win percentage is the fourth-worst through 300 games in MLB history, according to ESPN.

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"I recognize that our win-loss record is largely a product of an organizational strategy for which I am responsible," general manager Jeff Luhnow said in a statement. "Rather, I made this decision because I believe we need a new direction in our clubhouse."

Bench coach Dave Trembley was also let go and will be replaced by Adam Everett, who was also working in the minor league system.

"What we will seek going forward is a consistent and united message throughout the entire organization," Luhnow continued. "It is essential that as an organization we create an atmosphere at the major league level where our young players can come up and continue to develop and succeed. Ultimately, I am responsible for creating that culture, and I will do everything in my power to do so -- even when it means making difficult moves like the one we made today."

Lawless' first game as manager will be on Tuesday at home against the Los Angeles Angels. Excluding interim managers, Houston will be searching for its fourth manager since 2007.