Joyner to return to Phillies coaching staff in '14

PHILADELPHIA -- Remember when the Phillies announced Wally Joyner declined to return as assistant hitting coach?

He apparently changed his mind.

The Phillies announced Thursday that Joyner will return in 2014, working alongside hitting coach Steve Henderson. Joyner received high marks this season from players, particularly left fielder Domonic Brown, who enjoyed a breakout season.

The club also announced Juan Samuel will return as first-base coach.

But the Phillies are still looking for a pitching coach and bullpen coach. Rod Nichols, who was the bullpen coach in 2013, remains in play for one of those jobs. If Nichols returns, it means former pitching coach Rich Dubee and catching coach Mick Billmeyer will be the lone casualties from last season's coaching staff.

"We're still working through it," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said when asked about the pitching coach. "We're still doing our due diligence. We've seen a few we've really liked, but we're continuing the search. We're still working through candidates."

Joyner, who spends his offseasons in Utah, might have wanted to find a job closer to home, as well as be a head hitting coach.

"I called him back, had a nice conversation with him and decided to rekindle the relationship," Amaro said. "I think we're all happy. The combination of Wally and Hendu is very good. Even though we didn't have a great offensive year, I think the hitters really bought into some of the things they were working on. Hopefully, that'll continue."

The Phillies also outrighted four players from the 40-man roster: right-hander J.C. Ramirez, left-hander Cesar Jimenez and outfielders Roger Bernadina and Casper Wells.