The Arizona Diamondbacks have officially moved to replace pitching coach Brian Kaplan, who was let go at the end of the previous season after a tenure lasting just under two years. According to reports first shared by Dennis Lin of The Athletic, the club will hire Ben Fritz, currently serving as the bullpen coach for the San Diego Padres. This swift hiring process signals the front office’s urgency to establish a new identity on the mound and provide immediate stability to the pitching staff heading into the upcoming campaign.
Arizona moves fast to stabilize mound staff with veteran Padres staff member
Fritz brings nearly a decade of organizational experience to Phoenix, having been with the Padres since 2015 and serving as their bullpen coach since 2020. During his seven seasons in San Diego, he has occasionally stepped in as the interim pitching coach, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of both relief and starting mechanics. His track record in the Padres’ system suggests a deep analytical approach to pitcher development, a skill set the Diamondbacks are eager to leverage to improve their overall pitching performance.
Before transitioning to coaching, Fritz was a professional pitcher, selected 30th overall by the Oakland Athletics in the 2002 MLB Draft out of California State University, Fresno. Although his playing career was significantly impacted by Tommy John surgery in 2005, he reached the majors and peaked at Triple-A Sacramento in 2006, where he posted a 6-6 record with a 5.83 ERA over 17 starts. After a brief stint in the Detroit Tigers’ farm system and a few years in independent ball, Fritz retired after the 2010 season, paving the way for a successful career on the coaching side of the game.
Source: Yahoo Sports
