This story is free to read.

Ex-Rangers manager Washington to re-join Athletics

FILE - In this Sept. 3, 2014, file photo, then-Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington hits during fielding drills before the Rangers' baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, Mo. Washington is getting back into the big leagues, re-joining the Oakland Athletics as an instructor after nearly eight years as Rangers manager. Washington, who was a coach with the A's for 11 years before joining the Rangers, told The Associated Press in a text message Wednesday night, May 20, 2015, that he heard from general manager Billy Beane earlier in the day and would meet the A's in Tampa, Fla., on Friday. The 63-year-old Washington has been working with youth and college players in his native New Orleans. He led the Rangers to AL pennants in 2010 and '11. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File) FILE - In this Sept. 3, 2014, file photo, then-Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington hits during fielding drills before the Rangers' baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, Mo. Washington is getting back into the big leagues, re-joining the Oakland Athletics as an instructor after nearly eight years as Rangers manager. Washington, who was a coach with the A's for 11 years before joining the Rangers, told The Associated Press in a text message Wednesday night, May 20, 2015, that he heard from general manager Billy Beane earlier in the day and would meet the A's in Tampa, Fla., on Friday. The 63-year-old Washington has been working with youth and college players in his native New Orleans. He led the Rangers to AL pennants in 2010 and '11. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

By Associated Press May 21, 2015 1 min read

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – Former Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington has been hired as a major league coach for the Oakland Athletics, returning to the club where he was a coach for 11 years.

The A’s announced the hiring of Washington on Thursday and said he would be with the team all season.

Washington’s defensive expertise will be a key addition given the team’s struggles so far. He can be in uniform but can’t be on the bench during games.

Washington said he heard from general manager Billy Beane on Wednesday and would meet the club in Tampa, Florida, on Friday. Oakland is last in the AL West and leads the majors in errors with 44 errors, including 16 by shortstop Marcus Semien.