Dodgers tab Mattingly as hitting coach
LOS ANGELES (TICKER) —The Los Angeles Dodgers will have yet another hitting coach after the All-Star break.
Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti announced Wednesday that Don Mattingly will replace Mike Easler when the second half of the season begins.
Mattingly, who was on manager Joe Torre’s coaching staff with the New York Yankees, is the Dodgers’ ninth batting coach in the last 10 years. The Dodgers are currently tied for 10th in the National League in batting (.256) and 13th in runs scored (371).
“We’re glad Don can return to the staff,” Colletti said. “We’re also very thankful to Mike, who stepped up in Don’s absence and who will continue to contribute to the organization.”
Torre was named Dodgers skipper in November, and Mattingly was scheduled to accompany his former boss to the West Coast.
However, Mattingly asked out of the position due to family issues and accepted a lesser role with the Dodgers as a special hitting instructor. His time with the team was limited to spring training and road trips near his home in Indiana.
