Tigers hire McClendon as Triple-A manager

Lloyd McClendon, dismissed as Mariners manager on Oct. 9, was hired on Monday for the same post with the Toledo Mud Hens, the Tigers' Triple-A affiliate.

McClendon, 56, previously spent eight seasons as a coach with Detroit from 2006-13, most recently as hitting coach. He skippered the Pirates from 2001-05 and the Mariners the past two seasons, going 163-161 in Seattle and finishing fourth in American League Manager of the Year Award voting in 2014.

"It's an honor to come back to the Detroit Tigers organization," McClendon said in a statement. "I've been to Fifth Third Field many times in the past. It's a wonderful ballpark and the fans are outstanding. It should be a very enjoyable summer for us.

"I'm going to be much more in a teaching mode compared to being a manager in the Majors. I'll do my best to use my experience and knowledge of the game to help these young players develop."

McClendon takes over for Larry Parrish, who retired after 10 seasons at the helm in Toledo. In 2015, the Mud Hens went 61-83, finishing last in the International League West Division.

McClendon spent eight seasons in the Majors (1987-94) as an outfielder and first baseman for the Reds, Cubs and Pirates, batting .244 with 35 home runs and 154 RBIs. He later became a hitting coach in Pittsburgh before getting his first chance as a manager.

"I am very pleased to have Lloyd McClendon managing the Toledo Mud Hens in 2016," Tigers vice president of player development Dave Littlefield said in a statement. "He is a passionate competitor, experienced baseball man and strong leader. Toledo's players and our Minor League development system will benefit with Lloyd at the helm."