The Dodgers announced Wednesday that Don Mattingly, who withdrew from the hitting coach's job on Jan. 22 to deal with his on-going divorce but had a standing offer to return anytime he chose to, will take over the role after the All-Star break.
Mike Easler, who had operated all season under the "interim" tag, was philosophical in response to being told by manager Joe Torre and general manager Ned Colletti late Tuesday night that he was being forced into a roving minor league hitting instructor's role. "I kind of had an inkling it was going to happen," Easler said. "That's Joe's man, and I understand that. I have given this organization three years, and I will continue to give it everything I have. I love the Dodgers, and I hope they get to the World Series."
Easler committed to remaining with the organization for the rest of the season, but said he and his agent would immediately begin exploring possible opportunities for next year. At the time Easler was promoted to fill Mattingly's spot, he was the hitting coach for the Dodgers' Class AAA Las Vegas affiliate, a role that has since been filled by John Moses.
"Mike came on board to hold down the fort until Donnie was able to join us on a full-time basis, and this is that time," Torre said. "Donnie has been with me for a few years now, and he is one of the guys, along with (third base coach) Larry Bowa, I felt were necessary to come in with me. I feel like we're getting a little more whole."
DODGERS 2, BRAVES 1: Derek Lowe became the third Dodgers pitcher in a row to no-hit the Braves through at least four innings. This time, Lowe had a perfect game through six before giving up a leadoff single to Gregor Blanco in the seventh, and he retired 22 of the first 23 before Jeff Francoeur took him deep with one out in the eighth. Matt Kemp homered for the Dodgers, and Andruw Jones singled in a run.
