Padres fire Ready as hitting coach

San Diego, CA – The San Diego Padres have fired hitting coach Randy Ready, general manager Jed Hoyer announced Thursday.

Ready, a former major league utilityman, was hired as Padres hitting coach during the 2009 season. He had been managing the team's Triple-A team in Portland.

"I would like to thank Randy for his efforts during his time as hitting coach for the Padres," Hoyer said in a statement. "He has made a lasting impact on this organization, dating back to his time as a minor league manager. Randy worked tirelessly at what has proven to be a one of the most difficult jobs in baseball, and we appreciate all he has done for the Padres."

The Padres retained five other members of manager Bud Black's staff: bench coach Rick Renteria, pitching coach Darren Balsley, third base coach Glenn Hoffman, first base coach Dave Roberts and bullpen coach Darrel Akerfelds.