*  *  *  UPDATED: October 22, 2015 at 9:15 am PT  *  *  *

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports is reporting that the Dodgers and manager Don Mattingly will “part ways.”

Although Heyman’s “sources” are calling the decision “mutual,” the simple truth of the matter is that, if true – and it has not been confirmed by the Dodgers yet – the five-year Dodgers manager was fired.

Although there may be some who are surprised that Mattingly and the Dodgers have “part ways,” there are far more who are not. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Mattingly is coming off a 92-70 season that was good enough for the Dodgers to win their third consecutive NL West title – something that has never been done before in the 132-year history of the franchise . Unfortunately, the 54-year-old Evansville, Indiana native failed to get past the National League Division Series in two of those three tries and past the League Championship Series in the third – which many believed would eventually lead to the former Yankee great being fired. It now appears that this has happened.

Although some may question why Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Farhan Zaidi would “part ways” with a manager who has won three consecutive division titles, they and Dodgers ownership made it crystal clear that the wanted to win a World Series title and wanted to win it now – especially after investing over $300 million in payroll this past season alone. As you may recall, Mattingly is/was the only member of the Dodgers brass that was not brought in by Friedman and Zaidi.

Mattingly leaves with a career managerial record of 446-363, which is a very impressive .551 winning percentage. Unfortunately it was his 8-11 postseason record (.421) that led to his reported firing.

We will provide updates on the breaking story as it becomes available.

  *  *  *  UPDATED: October 22, 2015 at 9:15 am PT  *  *  *

The Dodgers have confirmed that Mattingly has, in fact, been let go. They are calling it a mutual agreement.

Here is the official press release (courtesy of Dodgers PR Department):

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers and Don Mattingly have mutually agreed that Mattingly will not return to manage the club in 2016.

Dodger President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, General Manager Farhan Zaidi and Senior Vice-President of Baseball Operations Josh Byrnes met and talked extensively with Mattingly for several days following the conclusion of the season.

“As our end of season process began, we discussed the past year, our future goals, necessary changes, roster needs and other matters relating to next year’s campaign,” said Dodger President, Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman. “As the dialogue progressed daily, it evolved to a point where we all agreed that it might be best for both sides to start fresh. We decided to think about it for a couple of days and when we spoke again, we felt comfortable that this was the direction to go. I have the utmost respect for Donnie and thoroughly enjoyed working with him this past season. I want to thank him for his hard work and collaboration, as well as his accomplishments, including three consecutive National League West titles. I wish him nothing but success in the future.”

“I’m honored and proud to have had the opportunity to manage the Los Angeles Dodgers,” said Mattingly. “I’ve enjoyed my experiences and relationships with the organization’s staff and players throughout my eight years in L.A. After meeting with Andrew, Farhan and Josh, we all felt that a fresh start would be good for both the organization and me. We talked about several scenarios, including my returning in 2016. However, I believe this is the right time and right move for both parties. I’m still very passionate about managing and hope to get the opportunity in the near future. In the meantime, I want to thank the Dodger organization, the city and our fans for the opportunity and wish the club well going forward.”