Nationals hand Riggleman manager's job

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Washington Nationals have appointed Jim Riggleman as manager on a permanent basis, the MLB team said on Thursday.

Riggleman was in charge of the Nationals on an interim basis from July when he replaced Manny Acta.

Although Riggleman had a 33-42 record, the Nationals, who finished bottom of the NL East, saw signs of improvement after a poor start to the season.

The 57-year-old has previously worked as manager of the San Diego Padres, the Chicago Cubs and the Seattle Mariners.

(Reporting by Simon Evans in Miami; Editing by Ken Ferris)