masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles have at least two openings to fill on their coaching staff.
Bullpen coach Dom Chiti, whose contract expired in Oct. 31, has accepted a position with the Braves as their senior director of pitching, according to industry and team sources. Dave Wallace, who retired as pitching coach, will join Chiti in Atlanta as a roving pitching instructor and adviser.
The Braves are expected to make the announcement on Thursday.
The Orioles were hoping to keep Wallace in the organization and Chiti…

The Orioles have at least two openings to fill on their coaching staff.

Bullpen coach Dom Chiti, whose contract expired in Oct. 31, has accepted a position with the Braves as their senior director of pitching, according to industry and team sources. Dave Wallace, who retired as pitching coach, will join Chiti in Atlanta as a roving pitching instructor and adviser.

The Braves are expected to make the announcement on Thursday.

Wallace-Dugout-Sidebar.jpgThe Orioles were hoping to keep Wallace in the organization and Chiti was considered a candidate to move up to pitching coach. Now, they’re both gone.

Chiti will oversee all pitching in the Braves organization on the major league and minor league levels. His scouting tools also will be put to work.

The Orioles hadn’t reached out to Chiti to discuss a new contract, though they were known to want him back. His departure will come as a big disappointment to the club’s pitchers.

Chiti and Wallace came to the Orioles from the Braves organization in 2014. The Orioles made the playoffs in two of the three seasons, winning the American League East title in 2014 and earning the second wild card this summer.

Their bullpen ranked first in the American League this season with a 3.40 ERA, with closer Zach Britton converting all 47 save chances while posting a 0.54 ERA and Brad Brach earning his first All-Star selection.

Family obligations led to Wallace’s decision to retire from major league coaching, but he expressed a desire to continue working with young pitchers and sought a schedule that allowed for more time at home.

The Orioles interviewed one candidate today for pitching coach and have at least one more lined up for Thursday. Their search now expands to bullpen coach.