Manager Terry Francona's new coaching staff is taking shape. The latest addition is bullpen coach Scott Atchison. For the past two seasons, Atchison served as a Major League advance coach and staff assistant, working alongside former Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway and Bere in a variety of capacities. Atchison also collaborated with the team's front-office and analytics departments to help distribute information and present scouting reports to Cleveland's pitchers.
Bere interviewed with the Mets to be their pitching coach on Monday, which would reunite him with former Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway, now New York's manager.
Atchison, 41, inherits a bullpen that led the Majors in ERA (2.89), Fielding Independent Pitching (3.20), WHIP (1.14) and strikeout-minus-walk percentage (20.0). Cleveland's relievers logged the fewest innings (489 1/3) in the American League last season -- thanks to the team's strong rotation -- and ended the year ranked second in MLB in WAR (8.6) and fourth in strikeout percentage (27.5).
On Wednesday night, MLB.com confirmed that the Indians hired Atchison as manager Terry Francona's new bullpen coach, replacing Jason Bere. The decision was not confirmed by the team, but an official announcement could come as early as Thursday.
Prior to joining the Indians' staff, Atchison enjoyed a nine-year career in the Majors between stints with the Mariners, Giants, Red Sox, Mets and Tribe. In 298 big league games, the right-hander posted a 3.63 ERA. He also spent two seasons pitching in Japan in '08-09.
The Indians released Atchison in June 2015 after a rough start to the season, but he returned in a coaching role the following year.
