A's name Mark Kotsay bench coach on Bob Melvin's staff

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Former player Mark Kotsay is rejoining the Oakland Athletics as bench coach on manager Bob Melvin's staff.

The A's announced the hiring of Kotsay on Thursday. In a 17-year big league career, Kotsay spent the 2004-07 seasons with the A's.

Kotsay, who turns 40 next month, was San Diego's hitting coach last season in his first job as a professional coach.

Mike Aldrete had been bench coach but will shift to first base duties to replace departed Tye Waller. The rest of Melvin's staff stays intact, with former Rangers manager Ron Washington remaining at third base in the spot he took over in August.

Oakland also named Phil Pohl its bullpen catcher.