The Diamondbacks signed manager Torey Lovullo to a one-year contract extension last month, ensuring he’d be back for a sixth season in the dugout. There’ll be a pretty significant shakeup around the skipper, though, as Zach Buchanan of the Athletic reported upon a series of coaching staff changes this afternoon.
Only three members of Lovullo’s staff will return in their current capacity: first base coach Dave McKay, third base coach Tony Perezchica and bullpen coach Mike Fetters. Bench coach Luis Urueta has been reassigned within the organization; Matt Herges is out as pitching coach but could return to the organization in some other capacity; catching coach Robby Hammock will not be brought back.
Urueta has been on Lovullo’s staff since the end of 2017, serving as bench coach for the past couple seasons. He drew some consideration in the Red Sox’s managerial search last winter but remained in Arizona after Boston re-hired Alex Cora. Herges was hired leading up to the 2020 season, his first stint as a big league pitching coach. The former big leaguer had previously served as the Giants’ bullpen coach.
The D-Backs were already expected to search for new hitting instruction after firing hitting coaches Darnell Coles and Eric Hisnke in June. Rick Short and Drew Hedman had been promoted to serve as interim co-hitting coaches, but they won’t return in that capacity. Buchanan notes, however, that Arizona is considering some form of nontraditional hitting coaching — as evidenced by their atypical co-coach setup this summer — that could see Short and Heyman return in some other role.
Cora for bench coach?
Joey? Because Alex isn’t going anywhere
What’s he take pics of, exploding birds?
Been awhile since I’ve seen the name of Mike Fetters. He was an above average reliever with a very memorable breathing routine to manage anxiety before he delivered each pitch. It made for a memorable and unique mound presence.
Fetters was a hoot to watch, not only because of the breathing routine but because he was one of those relievers who never had a boring inning. A “normal” frame for Mike was walking the bases loaded, then striking out the side.
Played forever, too. He was teammates with Bert Blyleven and Johan Santana at either end.
Getting rid of the bench coach is gonna fix this team. Great idea!
Keeping Lovullo seems smart…from what I’ve heard/read, he’s an excellent manager….but in the end all that matter’s is wins, right?
I’m not overly familiar with the released coaches, but I suspect the new coaches could best be described as young and hands-on as the D-backs will be placing an emphasis on developing their young talent.
I hear Phil Nevin will soon be available for a return to the Arizona organization.
What does Torey even have to work with. Arizona front office wants a new ballpark, worry about the product on the field first, make sure the manager has pieces to work with then go for the ballpark.
I’ve lived in Arizona for 5 years, it’s shocking how bad the DBACKS are, I don’t see it ending soon