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Dodgers reportedly to reduce manager candidates

Kapler, Black, Roberts said to be 'still in the running'

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers will hold second interviews next week with a reduced number of managerial candidates.

Multiple reports indicate Gabe Kapler, Bud Black and Dave Roberts are included in next week's interviews. Darin Erstad also has been included in some reports, but he has withdrawn his name from consideration.

Tweet from @Dstad17: Humbled to be asked to interview for Dodgers job but Lincoln is where my heart is. Looked my kids in the eyes & knew we needed to stay.

The team did not confirm any of the reports.

Black is the only one who has previously managed in the Major Leagues. Kapler, currently Dodgers farm director, is the only one who has managed professionally anywhere else, one year at Class A. Roberts has been a Major League bench coach. Erstad is head coach at the University of Nebraska and has never coached professionally since retiring after a 14-year playing career.

First-round candidates not mentioned in the most recent speculation are Ron Roenicke, Tim Wallach, Kirk Gibson, Dave Martinez and Bob Geren.

The Dodgers have been searching for a replacement for Don Mattingly, who left after five seasons and was hired as manager by Miami. Mattingly was hired by the Dodgers after having managed only in the Arizona Fall League.

General manager Farhan Zaidi said this week the second round of interviews will include "face time" with ownership.

Video: Dodgers GM Farhan Zaidi on his team's offseason plans

Ken Gurnick is a reporter for MLB.com.
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