PITTSBURGH — The Pirates fired Matt Walbeck, who was chosen as the Eastern League manager of the year while leading the Altoona Curve to the Double-A league's championship.

Walbeck, 40, has been chosen as his league's manager of the year four times in six seasons. Altoona had an 82-60 record this season.

The Pirates offered no explanation for the move Thursday.

Walbeck was told there was no other job for him in the Pirates' organization. He has talked of wanting to manage above the Double-A level.