Rick Peterson won't return to Orioles in 2017

The Orioles are making changes in their minor league system while continuing their work on the major league coaching staff.

Rick Peterson won't return as director of pitching development for the 2017 season. I heard from multiple sources that Peterson was gone, and executive vice president Dan Duquette confirmed it this afternoon.

Peterson was hired for the position in January 2012 after serving as pitching coach with the Brewers, Mets and Athletics. He also worked as the Blue Jays minor league pitching coordinator in 1996 and was the Pirates bullpen coach from 1984-1985.

No word on a replacement for Peterson or whether the title and responsibilities will be tweaked. Someone will have to assume the duties of a pitching coordinator.

"I appreciate Rick Peterson's effort and good work for five years to develop pitching at all levels and wish him well," Duquette wrote in a text message. "Rick has a solid track record helping pitchers and is well-respected throughout baseball."

Peterson's use of biomechanical research and psychological principals to help pitchers improve their motions has been met with criticism over the years. Not everyone in the organization and on the pitching staff bought into it. But he also had his share of supporters.

Peterson wasn't considered a candidate for pitching coach or bullpen coach at the major league level. The Orioles are continuing to conduct interviews and hope to make decisions next week.

The Oriole have interviewed Double-A Bowie pitching coach Alan Mills, former Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell, Triple-A Las Vegas pitching coach Frank Viola, Cardinals minor league pitching coordinator Tim Leveque and Rangers minor league pitching coordinator Danny Clark.