Craig Conklin returning as manager, former major leaguer joins staff for Lansing Lugnuts
Craig Conklin will be returning for a second season in charge in Lansing.
The Oakland Athletics announced Monday that Conklin will serve as the Lansing Lugnuts manager for a second consecutive season. This will mark the third year straight year in Lansing for Conklin, who was the Lugnuts hitting coach in 2022. He guided the Lugnuts to a 60-71 record last summer.
Conklin, who became the 18th manager in franchise history last year, is the first manager to serve consecutive seasons leading the Lugnuts since Cesar Martin in 2017-18.
Don Schulze is also returning to the staff and will be Lansing's pitching coach for a fourth straight season.
Former major league infielder Kevin Kouzmanoff joins the Lugnuts staff as the hitting coach. He spent seven seasons in the majors between 2006 and 2014 and played with Cleveland, San Diego Padres, Oakland Athletics, Colorado Rockies and Texas Rangers. He has previously spent time working in the Oakland system at Double-A Midland and Single-A Stockton the past two seasons.
Kouzmanoff batted .257 during his MLB career. Ruben Escalera will serve as Lansing's assistant hitting coach.
Contact Brian Calloway at bcalloway@lsj.com. Follow him on X @brian_calloway.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Craig Conklin returning as Lansing Lugnuts manager
