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MLB Rumor Central: Tony La Russa won't stay with D-backs if Dave Stewart is replaced

Could 2016 be Tony La Russa's final season as chief baseball officer of the Arizona Diamondbacks?

It depends on the fate of general manager Dave Stewart.

La Russa said he can't see himself staying with the D-backs if the team's ownership decides to replace Stewart.

"I think there's a matter of integrity, as far as personal integrity, and it's hard for me to see agreeing to let somebody go that I don't think should be let go," La Russa said on KMVP-FM's Doug & Wolf Show on Wednesday. "...I just think that hopefully I'm not put in that position."

La Russa also recognized that his future with the team is in jeopardy, but he "doesn't know anything for certain."

The Diamondbacks had high expectations for 2016, according to Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic, but entered Wednesday tied for the third-most losses in the majors (88). Piecoro reported ownership intends to make decisions on the fate of members of the front office at the end of this season. Arizona parted ways with senior vice president De Jon Watson earlier this week.

La Russa, 71, was hired by the Diamondbacks in 2014 after the team started the season 5-18, one of the worst starts in franchise history. The Hall of Fame manager is best known for his 33 years at the helm of the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals.

 -- Alex Tekip

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