The man who gave A.J. Hinch his first managerial job couldn’t be happier for his friend and former hire.
Josh Byrnes, now a top executive with the Dodgers, caught up with Hinch this series over breakfast, but the two are in touch all the time.
“A.J.’s a great friend,” Byrnes said. “Knows the game, loves the game. Sort of got to the right place, right time. I’m very happy for him.”
On the day Hinch was hired by the Astros, Byrnes said by phone that he knew Hinch wanted to be back in the dugout.
Byrnes hired Hinch as manager of the Diamondbacks and 2009, and they later worked together in the Padres front office.