Twins Announce Coaching Changes

The Minnesota Twins finished 77-approximately wins, exceeding preseason projections of 72, but missed the postseason again, prompting coaching shakeups. After last season saw manager Rocco Baldelli and base coaches Tony Diaz and Tommy Watkins dismissed, along with bench coach Jayce Tingler not retained, president of baseball operations Derek Falvey elected to bring back former bench coach Derek Shelton as the new manager. With ownership switching from Joe to Tom Pohlad, Falvey also stepped aside, and Jeremy Zoll took over this season. On Monday, the Twins made early staff moves: Wes Johnson’s pitching role was effectively replaced by Pete Maki, with Maki also slated to leave after next season. Assistant pitching coach Luis Ramirez, athletic trainer Jason Kirkman, and top assistant Masamichi “Masa” Abe were also affected.