Brocail hired as Orioles pitching coach

The Orioles could be on the verge of announcing their coaching staff for the 2019 season as the last few vacancies are filled.

Doug Brocail has been hired as pitching coach, according to an industry source. He's going to replace Roger McDowell, whose contract expired on Oct. 31.

Brocail, 51, spent the past three seasons as the Rangers pitching coach before his dismissal in November. He owns previous ties to executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias, working as the Astros pitching coach from June 2011 through October 2013 and later as a special assistant.

Two of Brocail's 15 major league seasons were spent with the Rangers under manager Buck Showalter in 2004-05. Showalter managed the Orioles for the past 8 1/2 seasons.

Primarily a reliever, Brocail was 52-48 with a 4.00 ERA and 1.358 WHIP before his retirement following the 2009 season.

The Padres drafted Brocail in the first round in 1986 out of Lamar Community College in Colorado, but injuries delayed his major league debut until six years later and cost him the entire 2002 and 2003 seasons.

Brocail inherits a staff that posted the worst ERA in the majors last season at 5.18. The rotation's collective ERA has ranked last over the past two seasons.

Andrew Cashner pitched for Brocail during the 2017 season, providing a familiar face for the new coach.

The rest of manager Brandon Hyde's coaching staff is expected to include Tim Cossins, José Flores, Don Long and Arnie Beyeler. John Wasdin could transition from minor league pitching coordinator to bullpen coach.

The Athletic first reported that Brocail was in line to become pitching coach.

Also, the Orioles announced that Hall of Famers Brooks Robinson and Eddie Murray, hired last summer as special advisors, will participate in autograph sessions and a fan forum during FanFest on Jan. 26 at the Baltimore Convention Center.