The Los Angeles Dodgers formally announced their 2019 coaching staff for Double-A Tulsa, which most notably includes the return of Scott Hennessey as manager. It marks his second full year at the position since replacing the departed Ryan Garko in July 2017.
Pitching coach Dave Borkowski, athletic trainer Kalie Swain and performance coach Shaun Alexander additionally remain in Tulsa. New additions to the staff include hitting coach Adam Melhuse and coach Petie Montero.
In Hennessey’s first full year at the helm, the Drillers posted a 74-65 record during the regular season en route to a Texas League North Division second-half title. Tulsa went on to sweep San Antonio in three games to claim their first Texas League Championship since 1998.
Over parts of three seasons with the Drillers, Hennessey has compiled a 101-78 regular season record. He has especially thrived at home, leading the club to an impressive 61-30 mark at ONEOK Field — a 67 percent winning percentage.
The 2019 season marks Borkowski’s second with the Drillers. He joined the organization in 2018 after spending two years as pitching coach of Double-A Corpus Christi for the Houston Astros organization.
Swain and Alexander also return for a second season in Tulsa. Both were promoted to the affiliate after spending the 2017 campaign with High-A Rancho Cucamonga.
Melhuse replaces former hitting coach Terrmel Sledge, who spent the previous three years in that capacity for the Drillers. He was poached by the Chicago Cubs earlier this offseason, who named Sledge their new assistant hitting coach for the 2019 season.
Montero takes the spot of Leo Garcia on the Drillers coaching staff. The 2019 season marks his third in the Dodgers organization, having most recently assisted Single-A Rancho Cucamonga in 2018.
