Red Sox part ways with pitching coach Bush, third-base coach Febles

October 9th, 2023

BOSTON -- The Red Sox, coming off back-to-back last-place seasons in the American League East, dismissed pitching coach Dave Bush and third-base coach/infield instructor Carlos Febles on Monday, a source told MLB.com.

The Red Sox have not made a formal announcement on the moves.

Bush served as Boston’s pitching coach for the past four seasons. In 2022, the Sox posted a 4.53 ERA (25th in the Majors), with a 4.52 ERA (21st in MLB) this past season.

When Alex Cora was hired as manager of the Red Sox, one of his first moves was to add Febles as his third-base coach and infield instructor.

Febles spent six seasons in the two roles before he was dismissed on Monday. He was with the Boston organization for the last 17 years, including 904 games as a Minor League manager.

While the Red Sox were solid enough on defense to win the World Series in 2018 and to advance to Game 6 of the American League Championship Series in '21, they struggled to be consistent in that area the past two seasons.

Boston made 102 errors this season, tied with the Oakland Athletics for most in the AL.

Star slugger Rafael Devers had a spotty season at third base, making 19 errors. Triston Casas, who had a strong rookie season at the plate, is another player the Sox are hoping will improve defensively at first base going forward.

With Cora under contract for one more season, the rest of the coaching staff is expected to stay intact for 2024.

The Red Sox are still in the process of trying to find their next leader of baseball operations. Chaim Bloom was relieved of his duties on Sept. 14.