D-backs announce 2018 coaching staff, Narron promoted to bench coach
Oct 26, 2017, 3:00 PM | Updated: 3:09 pm
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The Arizona Diamondbacks announced Thursday their major league coaching staff for the 2018 season, which included the promotion of Jerry Narron to bench coach.
The move comes after bench coach Ron Gardenhire was hired to become the next manager of the Detroit Tigers.
Narron, 61, was with the major league staff in 2017. He was originally hired to be the manager of the Triple-A Reno Aces, but became interim bench coach when Gardenhire was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Upon Gardenhire’s return, Narron remained with the D-backs.
Luis “Pipé” Urueta was hired as a major league coach.
Urueta is in his 17th season with the D-backs organization. He was Arizona’s Minor League field coordinator in 2017 and has also served as manager of the Arizona League D-backs (rookie league) and the D-backs’ Dominican Summer League team. He was also the manager of Team Colombia in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
Ariel Prieto will not return as coach and interpreter.
Returning coaches on the staff for 2018 include manager Torey Lovullo, pitching coach Mike Butcher, bullpen coach Mike Fetters, quality control and catching coach Robby Hammock, assistant hitting coach Tim Laker, hitting coach Dave Magadan, first base coach Dave McKay and third base coach Tony Perezchica.
Additionally, Ken Crenshaw was promoted to Director of Sports Medicine & Performance and Ryan DiPanfilo was promoted to head trainer. Nate Shaw returns as strength & conditioning coordinator and Ben Hagar returns as physical therapist, and Matt Tenney has been added as strength & conditioning coach.