Detroit Tigers manager AJ Hinch completed his coaching staff by adding former 12-year MLB veteran José Cruz Jr. as the assistant hitting coach, the team announced Tuesday night.
Cruz Jr., who played outfielder for nine different teams from 1997-2008, will work closely with lead hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh. The 2021 season will be the 46-year-old's first as a major league coach.
“We’re excited to round out our Major League staff with the addition of José Cruz Jr.,” Hinch said in a statement. “He was widely respected as a player both on and off the field, and spending his entire life around the game has built a great ability to connect with both young and veteran players.