Rangers expect Washington to return as manager

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels says it’s his full expectation that manager Ron Washington will return next season.

The Rangers started play Tuesday mired in a seven-game losing streak and have seen their AL West title hopes apparently slip away for a second straight season because of a September slide. Texas dropped 12 of its first 14 games this month.

“I refer to us as partners, and I feel very much that way,” Daniels said before Tuesday night’s game at Tampa Bay.

“Other than that, we’ll address everything in the offseason. Like I said, I fully expect that partnership will continue.”

Texas is in a crowded field for an AL wild-card spot.

“We’re in a position to make the playoffs … it’s our job to hold on to that,” Daniels said. “We’ve got to go and have a good at-bat, a good inning, a good game and turn the tide here a little bit. That’s where our focus has to be. Everything else is just a distraction from where our energy and focus should be.”

Washington, who managed the Rangers to the playoffs each of the past three years including trips to the World Series in 2010 and 2011, said he doesn’t fear losing his job.

“I’m steadfast with what my job has always been,” Washington said. “Be the best I can be for this organization as the manager. Back my players. Back my coaching staff. Back the organization. Do the best job I can.”