Orioles hire Darren Holmes as bullpen coach

The Orioles have completed their major league coaching staff for the 2020 season.

According to an industry source, the Orioles have hired former pitcher Darren Holmes as bullpen coach. The team hasn't made an announcement, but the deal is done.

Holmes, 53, had served as Rockies bullpen coach since 2015. He didn't have previous experience on a team's coaching staff, but he worked in 2014 as the Braves' biomechanics pitching consultant.

The Rockies replaced Holmes last month with minor league pitching coordinator Darryl Scott. Holmes also held the title of assistant pitching coach.

Holmes is going to replace John Wasdin, who learned in October that the Orioles weren't retaining him.

The latest hire gives manager Brandon Hyde three new members of his staff, including first base coach Anthony Sanders and major league coach Fredi González. José Hernández moves to assistant hitting coach as Howie Clark's replacement.

Also retained were pitching coach Doug Brocail, hitting coach Don Long, third base coach/infield instructor José Flores and major league field coordinator/catching instructor Tim Cossins, though the Orioles haven't confirmed whether any titles will change.

Chris Holt was promoted from minor league pitching coordinator to director of pitching, giving him more influence on the major league staff.

Holmes spent 13 seasons in the majors as a reliever, including five appearances with the Orioles in 2000 before his release. He allowed 13 runs and 13 hits with five walks in 4 2/3 innings after the Orioles acquired him in a trade with the Cardinals.

The bulk of Holmes' work came with the Rockies, who kept him in their bullpen from 1993-97. He recorded a career-high 25 saves in 1993 and won a World Series with the Yankees in 1998 after signing as a free agent.

The Orioles conducted interviews for bullpen coach at the Winter Meetings and continued the process upon returning home.

* Former Single-A Frederick pitching coach Justin Lord has been hired by the Nationals as their pitching coach at Single-A Frederickburg, the team formerly based in Potomac.

Lord stays in the Carolina League.