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D-backs Hire Padres Bullpen Coach Fritz
31 Oct
Summary
- Ben Fritz, former Padres bullpen coach, hired as pitching coach.
- Fritz brings top-tier bullpen stats from San Diego.
- He faces challenges fixing Merrill Kelly and Corbin Burnes.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have reportedly hired Ben Fritz as their new pitching coach, replacing Brian Kaplan. Fritz joins the team from the San Diego Padres, where he served as bullpen coach since 2020. His coaching tenure with the Padres organization began in 2015.
Fritz's background includes being a first-round draft pick by the Oakland A's in 2002, though his playing career was impacted by Tommy John surgery. After retiring in 2010, he transitioned to coaching.
His departure from San Diego comes as the Padres boasted one of the majors' best bullpens, ranking high in ERA, FIP, and xERA. This expertise is expected to address the Diamondbacks' relief corps, which, while improved, was statistically in the middle of the pack.
Fritz's immediate tasks will include improving key pitchers like Merrill Kelly and Corbin Burnes, developing prospects, and maintaining bullpen performance amidst potential roster changes. This move is reportedly the only significant staff alteration for the upcoming season.
