JUPITER, FL. - The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that third base coach Jose Oquendo, who recently underwent right knee surgery, will be taking a medical leave of absence from the team for the foreseeable future.
In Oquendo's absence, the team announced that Chris Maloney will handle the third base coaching duties and Bill Mueller will now coach first base and provide infield instruction.
Minor League hitting coordinator Derrick May will take over Mueller's duties as assistant hitting coach and Minor League offensive strategist George Greer will now oversee hitting instruction for all of the Minor Leagues.
Oquendo, 52, has been part of the team's Major League coaching staff since 1999, including the past 16 seasons as third base and infield coach.