Mariners fire general manager Jack Zduriencik

SEATTLE -- The struggling Seattle Mariners have fired general manager Jack Zduriencik, the team announced Friday.

Seattle Mariners President and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Mather announced this morning that EVP of Baseball Operations & General Manager Jack Zduriencik has been relieved of his duties, effective immediately.

Jeff Kingston, who has been the Mariners Assistant General Manager since 2009, will handle the GM responsibilities for the rest of the season, Mather said.

Former GM Jack Zduriencik

Zduriencik took over the general manager position in 2008, after the firing of GM Bill Bavasi. Zduriencik's 7-year tenure at GM was marred by struggling seasons, slumping draft picks, and a rebuild that never quite materialized.

Mather said though the team has "great respect for Jack," it's time for a change.

"We have reached the point when change of leadership of our baseball operations is needed for the Seattle Mariners to reach our goal of winning championships," Mather said. "We are very disappointed with the results of this season, and are not satisfied with the current operation. The search for a permanent general manager will begin immediately, and while there is no deadline, we expect to have a new GM in place as soon as possible."

The Mariners have slumped in 2015, stumbling to a record of 59-69 and are all but out of the playoff race.

Kingston joined the Mariners in 2009 after spending nine years working with the San Diego Padres, serving the final seven seasons as Director of Baseball Operations.

Early fan reaction of the firing was largely supportive of the organization.

Following the news of the firing, the mariners demoted struggling catcher Mike Zunino to the AAA, the Seattle Times reports.