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Inside unlikely rise of Dodgers’ new hitting coach, from production lines to MLB dugout
Pedro Guerrero’s path to becoming the Dodgers’ new co-hitting coach began with a difficult moment as a minor-league player: after learning his father had suffered a stroke, he made a costly error and feared he would be released. Instead, manager John Shoemaker noticed his distress, listened and supported him. Guerrero says that experience shaped his coaching, which focuses on players’ wellbeing as well as their technique.
After his playing career ended in 2013, Guerrero worked in construction and on a car-airbag production line before joining the Dodgers’ rookie-ball staff in 2016. He later coached with the Phillies and Giants, then led Miami’s hitters in 2025; the Marlins were 18th in scoring but ranked in the top 10 for batting average, on-base percentage and OPS. Now 37, Guerrero returns to the Dodgers after Aaron Bates’ departure.
In short
- A former minor-leaguer feared his career was over after a difficult game.
- Support from his manager helped shape Guerrero’s coaching approach.
- He has returned to the Dodgers as co-hitting coach.