PHOENIX -- The D-backs hired a familiar face to be their assistant hitting coach on Monday.
Former big leaguer Eric Hinske, who played for the D-backs in 2013, will replace Tim Laker. Laker left earlier this month to become the Mariners' hitting coach.
But while the club filled one vacancy, another may have been created, as D-backs hitting strategist Robert Van Scoyoc reportedly will be hired by the Dodgers to replace Turner Ward as their hitting coach.
Hinske is one of several new faces on the Arizona coaching staff.
Darnell Coles was hired last month to be the hitting coach, while Dan Butler will join the big league staff as one of two bullpen catchers.
The returning members of the staff include bench coach Jerry Narron, pitching coach Mike Butcher, bullpen coach Mike Fetters, first-base coach Dave McKay, third-base coach Tony Perezchica, quality control/catching coach Robby Hammock, coach Luis Urueta and bullpen catcher Humberto Quintero.
After being released by the D-backs in July 2013, Hinske ended his 12-year big league career and went into coaching. He was the Cubs' first-base coach in 2014 and one year later became their assistant hitting coach.
Hinske, 41, joined the Angels as their hitting coach prior to last season.