CHICAGO (AP) - The Chicago Cubs will have different hitting and pitching coaches for the second straight season after they announced Jim Hickey’s departure Tuesday.
Hickey is leaving the organization after one season as pitching coach because of personal reasons, according to the team. Hitting coach Chili Davis was fired last month after one season and replaced by Anthony Iapoce.
With Hickey’s help, Chicago ranked third in the majors this year with a 3.65 team ERA. The Cubs went 95-68 and lost to Colorado in the NL wild-card game.
“We thank Jim for his season with the Cubs and his positive impact on our pitchers,” president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said in a statement. “Jim has our full support and we all wish him well.”
Chicago’s uncertain situation with its coaching staff could affect its search for a replacement for the respected Hickey. Manager Joe Maddon is entering the final year of his contract, and Epstein has said the club will not be offering an extension before the start of the 2019 season.
Hickey was hired a year ago to replace Chris Bosio. Hickey also has been a pitching coach with Houston and Tampa Bay.
Also Tuesday, the Cubs claimed left-hander Ian Clarkin off waivers from the crosstown White Sox and traded infielder Jason Vosler to the San Diego Padres for right-hander Rowan Wick.
The 23-year-old Clarkin was selected by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 2013 draft. He was traded to the White Sox in the July 2017 deal that sent Todd Frazier and David Robertson to New York.
Wick, who turned 26 on Nov. 9, made his major league debut in August. He went 0-1 with a 6.48 ERA in 10 relief appearances with San Diego.
The Cubs also said outfielder Johnny Field and lefty Jerry Vasto cleared waivers and were assigned to Triple-A Iowa. Infielder Jack Reinheimer was claimed off waivers by Texas after he was claimed off waivers by Chicago on Nov. 2.
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