CINCINNATI -- The Reds were back in Cincinnati Monday for their first home game since the club fired Bryan Price, and interim manager Jim Riggleman said he's ready for the challenge of turning the losing team around.
Riggleman spoke to reporters for the first time since he was appointed interim manager.
"We've been through it. We can handle this. You have to handle it. The way to handle it is to get out of it. We're going to get out of it," he said. "Our players are focused. We'll always be giving a great effort. Sooner the better, of course."
The Reds were 3-18 going into Monday's game against Atlanta. It's the worst start in franchise history.
"Home or away we, have to play better baseball," Riggleman said. "Swing the bats, pitch. Everything you gotta do, whether you're home or away. It's great to be home, but that's not going to solve our problems. We have to go play better baseball."
In a statement released on Twitter Monday evening, Price expressed "tremendous gratitude and appreciation" for the time he spent with the Reds.
"I wish Jim Riggleman great success as he takes the reins of the club, and send a heartfelt thank you to a cherished group of players, coahces, trainers and clubhouse family that stayed connected, worked tirelessly together and who collectively faced challengeing times head on," Price said.
The Reds play the Braves at 6:40 p.m. at Great American Ball Park.
