NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- To replace Wally Backman, their top Minor League manager for the past five seasons, the Mets on Monday promoted Pedro Lopez to Backman's former post as Triple-A Las Vegas manager. Lopez had served as Double-A Binghamton manager since 2009.
The Mets also announced that Frank Viola will return as Las Vegas' pitching coach, while Jack Voigt will reprise his role as hitting coach.
Lopez, 47, completed his tenure at Binghamton with a 377-329 (.534) record, becoming the club's all-time winningest manager. He is entering his 10th season in the Mets' organization.
At Las Vegas, Lopez will continue to mold some of the Mets' brightest young players. The organization's top three prospects -- shortstop Amed Rosario, first baseman Dominic Smith and infielder Gavin Cecchini -- are all expected to spend time at Vegas this season.
"First and foremost, I'm extremely happy and excited for the opportunity to manage in Triple-A after five years managing in Binghamton," Lopez said in a statement. "I'm extremely honored for this opportunity."
The Mets announced after the Minor League season that Backman would not return to a post he held since 2012. The 1986 Mets infielder compiled a 376-343 (.523) record over five seasons with the 51s, earning two Pacific Coast League South Division titles and one Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year Award.