The Tampa Bay Rays announced this afternoon that hitting coach — and long-standing lightning rod — Derek Shelton has been relieved of his services, and will be replaced by one of the organization’s Minor League hitting coordinators, Chad Mottola.
In a statement following the decision, Matt Silverman thanked Shelton for his service, but noted it was time for a change, saying,
He brought great energy to our clubhouse and his work ethic with our hitters was outstanding. We decided it was time for a new voice.
Shelton told Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) he was surprised to get the call this morning, based on the time of year and that the Rays had been hitting better.
I was surprised that it happened, especially during the season, with a month left, Shelton said.They wanted a new message. And they made a decision they wanted someone else to be in charge of the offense.
To his credit, the team has been more productive since the All-Star Break, raking fourth in the American League in runs score. However,for the former hitting coach the increased production is a little too late.
We’re actually swinging the bats better, there’s some guys showing signs of doing things we though they could do and there are some guys having really good years. So I think the timing of it was surprising, Shelton said.
Mottola has been with the organization for three seasons after serving seven as a coach in the Blue Jays organization, including 2013 as the Major League hitting coach. He also spent 15 years as a professional ball player, from 1992 to 2007, with the Toronto Blue Jays, Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles and the Miami Marlins, including a couple of Major League stints.
Silverman added of Mattola,
Chad has worked with players throughout the organization for several years now, and we are excited for the perspectives and experiences he will bring to this role.
Mattola is expected to officially assume his new role this Thursday during the upcoming series against the New York Yankees.