A's give manager Bob Melvin 1-year extension through 2019 season

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Bob Melvin is set to manage at least two more years for the Oakland Athletics, with his latest extension announced Thursday set to take him through the 2019 season.

He had been signed through 2018 in a deal he reached in September 2015. In late July, the 55-year-old earned his 1,000th managerial win.

"Excited to continue being part of a great organization," Melvin said. "With our younger group of players, I believe we are headed in the right direction. Very appreciative to Billy [Beane], David [Forst] and ownership for their continued support."

The A's have repeatedly expressed their commitment to having Melvin as their on-field leader, and he has handled the challenge of an ever-changing young team and a rash of injuries during his tenure.

"Bob deserves this extension," said Beane, Oakland's executive vice president of baseball operations. "He's done a great job going through this transition, he's been fully supportive not just from an organizational standpoint but he's also been supportive to a new group of young players that have entered onto the roster. We couldn't have a better man for the position than Bob. It's really as much about anything, it's about him."

Melvin previously managed the Mariners and Diamondbacks, then took over guiding the A's during the 2011 season following the firing of Bob Geren. Oakland could finish last in the AL West for a third straight season following three consecutive playoff years.

A Manager of the Year in both leagues, Melvin's 535 wins trail only Tony La Russa (798) and Art Howe (600) in Oakland history. Melvin has a 1,028-1,040 record in 14 years managing as the A's entered a season-ending series at Texas beginning Thursday.

"He comes to the park every day with the same mindset, no matter who he's got on the roster. He tries to figure out a way to win," Beane said. "He's prepared, and again we're happy to extend him for another year, beyond '18."