Dodgers coach Tim Wallach said Friday that he has spoken with the Detroit Tigers about their managerial vacancy.

Dave Dombrowski, the Tigers’ president and general manager, served as general manager of the Montreal Expos from 1988-91. Wallach was the Expos’ third baseman at that time.

Wallach, 56, has been the Dodgers’ third-base coach since 2011. On Tuesday, the Dodgers picked up his option for next season. The Dodgers also have granted the Tigers permission to talk to Wallach.

Jim Leyland announced his retirement as Tigers manager on Monday. One of Leyland’s coaches, former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon, interviewed for the job on Thursday. No candidates beyond Wallach and McClendon have surfaced publicly.


Wallach interviewed with the Boston Red Sox last year, before the Sox hired John Farrell.

Wallach joined the Dodgers’ major league staff after two seasons as manager at triple-A Albuquerque. In 2009, he was honored as Pacific Coast League manager of the year, and Baseball America selected him as the league’s top managerial prospect.

Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly agreed Wednesday to return next season.