By Friar Wire

The club announced this afternoon that they have named Mark Kotsay hitting coach. Executive Vice President/General Manager A.J. Preller and Manager Bud Black made the announcement.

Kotsay retired after the 2013 season and spent this past season in the Padres’ front office serving as a special assistant to the general manager.

This will be Kotsay’s first professional coaching role.

Official release: