Los Angeles Dodgers Add Key Veteran Piece To Developmental Arsenal

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced the appointment of former Major League Manager Eric Wedge as the new manager of their Double-A affiliate, the Tulsa Drillers.

Wedge succeeds Scott Hennessey, who managed the Drillers from 2017 to 2024 before his recent promotion to manage the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets.

Wedge brings a wealth of managerial experience to the role, having helmed the Cleveland Indians from 2003 to 2009 and the Seattle Mariners from 2011 to 2013. His managerial acumen was recognized in 2007 when he was awarded the American League Manager of the Year Award while leading the Cleveland Baseball Club.

Los Angeles Dodgers Appoint New AA Manager

MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at Seattle Mariners
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“We are excited to have someone with Eric’s experience as our new manager,” Drillers president Mike Melega said in a statement. “We were fortunate to have Henny as our manager for most of seven seasons, and now we welcome Eric who comes to Tulsa equipped with ten years of MLB managerial experience. It shows the commitment that the Dodgers have to player development, and the Drillers organization is a beneficiary of that commitment.”

Wedge, who celebrates his 57th birthday on Monday, boasts a comprehensive baseball background. He enjoyed a nine-year professional playing career as a catcher, culminating in brief stints in the Major Leagues with the Boston Red Sox and Colorado Rockies from 1991 to 1994.

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Following his playing career, Wedge embarked on a successful coaching journey within the Cleveland Indians organization, managing teams at various levels, including Low-A, High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A, before ultimately ascending to the Major League managerial role in 2003.

More recently, Wedge served as the head coach at his alma mater, Wichita State University, from 2020 to 2022, accumulating a 65-61 record over three seasons.