Former Athletics Bullpen Coach Named Twins Pitching Coach

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Twins have a new pitching coach.

The Twins announced Thursday 45-year-old Garvin Alston will replace Neil Allen, who was let go after three seasons.

Alston spent last season as the bullpen coach for the Oakland Athletics after starting the year as the pitching rehab coordinator for the San Diego Padres organization.

He also has stints as bullpen coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks and as minor league pitching coordinator and minor league rehab pitching coordinator in two earlier stints with the A's.

As a player Alston pitched for the Rockies, Royals and Dodgers systems, with six major league appearances in 1996.

The Twins' team ERA of 4.59 ranked 19th in baseball this season.