Jagers named Reds' assistant pitching coach

CINCINNATI -- The Reds named Eric Jagers as their new assistant pitching coach on Tuesday. Jagers, who served as assistant pitching coordinator last season, will replace Caleb Cotham, who joined the Phillies last week to be their pitching coach.

Working under pitching coach Derek Johnson and manager David Bell, Jagers will likely perform many of the duties that made Cotham a favorite among pitchers. Jagers will employ technology and video for advanced pitching research and data collection, and make that information relatable for the pitching staff.

Jagers pitched for the University of Iowa, but injuries ended his career. In 2018, he joined Driveline Baseball, a Seattle-based performance center founded by Kyle Boddy (now the Reds' pitching coordinator), before becoming a pitching strategist in the Phillies' Minor League system in 2019.

Driveline works with several Major Leaguers -- including Trevor Bauer. With Bauer currently a free agent the Reds are trying to re-sign, it won't hurt Cincinnati's chances to have another familiar face in the bullpen, dugout and clubhouse.