​Slumping Athletics dismiss pitching coach Scott Emerson originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Athletics didn’t want to wait any longer.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMired in a nine-game losing streak and after dropping 17 of 20 entering the All-Star break, the Athletics on Monday announced the firing of pitching coach Scott Emerson.It was time for a change.About three weeks ago, the vagabond Athletics surprised most MLB insiders by jumping out to a .500 mark and pulling to within a half game of the AL West lead.Since then, however, injuries to the pitching staff and losses continued to mount. Along with opponent scoring. In the team’s past 17 defeats, 11 occurred after the Athletics’ pitchers allowed at least six runs. The fourth-place Athletics (41-55) trail the AL West-leading Texas Rangers by eight games.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTo cut into the deficit, the Athletics likely will need improved pitching.With a 5.44 ERA, the Colorado Rockies’ staff ranks last in the league, just ahead of the Athletics’ 5.21. Playing at Sutter Health Park, a Triple-A stadium in Sacramento, Calif., certainly didn’t help Emerson.Under Emerson’s direction, the Athletics’ staff has mostly struggled since 2022. Here is a list of the team ERA and rank over the past four seasons:Season, Team ERA, MLB Rank2025, 4.70, 272024, 4.37, 252023, 5.48, 292022, 4.52, 24Serving as a bullpen coach in 2017, Emerson was promoted to replace Curt Young midseason as pitching coach midseason. He helped guide the Athletics to the playoffs in three straight seasons (2018-20).AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDan Hubbs, who opened the season as bullpen coach, will take over as interim pitching coach.Dumbfounded: Spencer Torkelson’s inconsistent production compounding Tigers’ problemsBrandon Lowe-led Pirates pace MLB in scoring at break, lag on All-Star Game recognitionNationals’ James Wood leading off with record-breaking powerRockies’ Jake McCarthy creates MLB inside-the-park home run historyPirates rookie Esmerlyn Valdez establishes MLB go-ahead hitting history versus Brewers