Padres hires Athletics bench coach Ryan Christenson in the same role, reportedly

NS San Diego Padres removed a trainer from Oakland Athletics This winter, recruiting director Bob Melvin to fill the same position. Now, it looks like the Padres will do the same with coach Ryan Christenson on the Athletics bench, According to a report from The Athletic’s Dennis Lin.

Christenson, 47, has been Melvin’s bench coach with the Athletics since the 2018 season. He was embroiled in controversy during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season when he made an election. just like the Nazi salute as he greeted players back into the dugout after Oakland’s victory. He insisted the gesture was not intentional as part of his apology.

“I made a mistake and will not deny it. Today, I greeted the players with an offensive gesture,” he said in a statement. “In today’s world of Covid, I’ve adapted our elbow bump, which we do after the win, to create some distance from the players. My gesture inadvertently resulted in a horrible and racist greeting that I don’t believe. What I did was unacceptable and I am deeply sorry.”

Prior to joining the Athletics major league staff, Christenson served as manager and coach in their minor league system.

Christenson was originally picked by Athletics in the 10th round of the 1995 draft. He would enjoy a competitive career that saw him appear in six majors, including as the member of Athletics in four of those campaigns. In total, he hit .222 / .303 / .329 (66 OPS +) with 16 home runs, 16 stolen bases, and 0.2 Wins on Substitute.

According to Lin, the Padres are expected to fill in their full names on their coaching staff next week. Athletics, yet to name an alternative for Melvin, will now also have to find a successor to Christenson.