Former Los Angeles Dodgers hitting coach Mark McGwire has officially been named the San Diego Padres bench coach, the club announced on Wednesday.
The Padres also announced the rest of manager Andy Green’s coaching staff for the 2016 season. Returning are pitching coach Darren Balsley and third base coach Glenn Hoffman.
Along with McGwire, new additions include Alan Zinter as hitting coach, Tarrik Brock as first base coach and Doug Bochtler as bullpen coach.
San Diego also hired Eddie Rodriguez, who will serve in a variety of roles on the coaching staff.
Green, who is the former bench coach of the Arizona Diamondbacks, was hired earlier in the offseason after former Padres manager Bud Black was fired in June after getting off to an underwhelming 32-33 start.
McGwire, 52, spent the past six seasons as a hitting coach — the first four were with the St. Louis Cardinals and the last two with the Dodgers.
Prior to a report of McGwire’s expected joining the Padres organization, he was rumored to be a candidate for the Arizona Diamondbacks hitting coach position. H,owever McGwire withdrew himself from consideration out of preference to remain close to his home in Irvine, Calif.
McGwire replaces Dave Roberts, who is now the manager of the Dodgers. The Dodgers are expected to hire former Diamondbacks hitting coach Turner Ward in the same capacity.
