It was being widely reported on Friday afternoon that Chris Woodward, who served as the Dodgers third base coach under manager Dave Roberts from 2016 to 2018 but left to become manager of the Texas Rangers, has been re-hired by the Dodgers to serve as “a special assistant in their front office,” according to a Tweet by LA Times Dodgers beat writer Jack Harris.

The Covina, CA native and 54th-round draft pick in 1994 by the Toronto Blue Jays out Northview High School in Covina as a second and third baseman had a rough four seasons as the Rangers manager, posting a combined 211-287 record and never finishing above third place in the American League West. To make matters worse, they finished dead last in 2020 and 2021, and he was fired by Texas following their dismal 68-94 2022 season after finishing fourth in the division.

That being said, ‘Woody,’ as he is affectionately known by players and fans, was quite popular amongst both.

“For me, he was one of the coaches I was closest with in terms of being an infield coach,” said now former Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner of Woodward in 2018 after he was hired as the Rangers new manager. “We knew last year when he took the (managerial) interview with the Yankees that it was just a matter of time. And obviously, everything he brought to the table with us, especially defensively and leadership, and conversations that we’ve had.”

Welcome back Woody!

Play Ball!

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