The Los Angeles Dodgers saw plenty of turnover on their Major League coaching staff this offseason, most notably losing the likes of former third base and infield coach Chris Woodward, in addition to hitting coach Turner Ward.
Woodward, who accepted the managerial position for the Texas Rangers, was eventually replaced by longtime Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim third base coach Dino Ebel. Filling in the void of Ward is former Arizona Diamondbacks hitting strategist Robert Van Scoyoc.
Aaron Bates additionally joined the Dodgers’ organization as assistant hitting coach. On the Minor League side, Triple-A Oklahoma City is expected to have a new hitting coach for the 2019 season as well.
According to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group, former Major League third baseman Scott Coolbaugh will reportedly be named to the post:
#Dodgers have hired former Rangers and Orioles coach Scott Coolbaugh to be hitting coach at Triple-A @okc_dodgers next season
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) December 11, 2018
Coolbaugh, who enjoyed a four-year career with three different organizations, brings with him an extensive track record of coaching experience. He was a player-coach for Double-A El Paso in 1999 before being named manager of High-A High Desert the following year.
After spending the next decade in the Minors, Coolbaugh served as hitting coach for the Rangers from 2011-12. He additionally held the same position for the Baltimore Orioles in 2015.
Coolbaugh’s arrival to Oklahoma City represents a homecoming of sorts. He previously served as hitting coach for the affiliate in 2009-10, when the Rangers’ Triple-A club was known as the RedHawks.
