The Padres brought back Ron Gardenhire for a second interview - MLB

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that the Padres brought back Ron Gardenhire back for a second interview for their vacant managerial position. Gardenhire is one of a handful of candidates the team is considering, along with Alex Cora, Phil Nevin, Rick Sofield, Tom Gordon, and Andy Green. Gardenhire is the only one of the bunch to have previous managing experience.

Gardenhire, 58, managed the Twins from 2002-14, compiling an aggregate 1,068-1,039 record. The Twins reached the post-season six times under his leadership, but only once advanced past the Division Series (2002). Gardenhire was fired after the 2014 season, and the Twins hired Paul Molitor to fill the vacancy.

The Nationals reportedly had some interest in Gardenhire, but it is believed that they’re now choosing between Dusty Baker and Bud Black.

The Padres had a disappointing 2014 season after completely revamping the roster, resulting in Black’s dismissal after 65 games. Pat Murphy managed the team in the interim, compiling a 42-54 record.

Follow @Baer_Bill

ST. LOUIS — Miles Mikolas is sticking with the St. Louis Cardinals.

The right-hander signed a three-year, $55.75 million contract on Friday that will carry through the 2025 season.

The new deal replaces a $68 million, four-year contract signed in February 2019 that covered the 2020-23 seasons and was set to pay $15.75 million this year.

Mikolas will receive a $5 million signing bonus payable July 1 and will make $18.75 million in 2023 and $16 million in each of the following two seasons. Mikolas can earn a $250,000 bonus for winning a Cy Young Award, $50,000 for All-Star election or selection or winning a Gold Glove, $100,000 for League Championship Series MVP and $150,000 for World Series MVP.

Mikolas is scheduled to make the second opening-day start of his big league career next Thursday when the Cardinals host Toronto. Mikolas went 12-13 with a 3.29 ERA last season while helping St. Louis to the NL Central title.

“Miles stands among the top pitchers in the game today, and has continued to provide a steady presence for us both in the rotation and inside the clubhouse,” St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak said in a statement.

Mikolas is 45-40 with a 3.79 in 143 games with San Diego, Texas and St. Louis. He recently pitched six shutout innings in two appearances for the U.S. in the World Baseball Classic.