Detroit Tigers Manager A.J. Hinch Announces Immediate Suspension of Assistant Coaches George Lombard and…
**Detroit, MI – May 31, 2024**
In a surprising development, Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch announced the immediate suspension of two assistant coaches, George Lombard and Mike Hessman. The decision comes amid an ongoing internal investigation into unspecified conduct violations.
Hinch, addressing the media before the Tigers’ game against the Chicago White Sox, stated, “The organization has decided to suspend George Lombard and Mike Hessman effective immediately. While we understand the impact this may have on our team, maintaining the integrity and standards of our organization is paramount.”
Lombard, who has been with the Tigers since 2021, serves as the team’s bench coach, while Hessman, a former Tigers player, was promoted to hitting coach this season. Both coaches are respected figures within the baseball community and their absence will be felt in the clubhouse.
The Tigers’ front office has remained tight-lipped about the specific reasons behind the suspensions, but sources close to the situation indicate that it involves a breach of team policies. No further details have been provided at this time.
In the interim, Hinch announced that third base coach Ramon Santiago will take over Lombard’s responsibilities, and assistant hitting coach Adam Melhuse will assume Hessman’s duties. “We have a resilient group of coaches and players, and we will continue to focus on our goals for the season,” Hinch added.
The Tigers, currently sitting in third place in the American League Central division, will be looking to stay competitive despite these internal challenges. The organization has promised to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
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