The Astros need a new assistant hitting coach. Alan Zinter, who spent one year with the team working under Dave Hudgens, is headed to the Padres, who have hired them to be their lead hitting coach.
“You get into coaching, you want to be able to work your way to the top,” said Zinter, 47. “Hudge and A.J. (Hinch) and that coaching staff and us having success gave me an opportunity to get this, so I’m very thankful for what the Astros were able to do for me. I hate to leave the relationships and the organization, but obviously, there’s only 30 of these jobs.