The Pirates today announced that Brad Fischer has joined the Major League coaching staff.  In addition, outfield-baserunning coach Rick Sofield has moved from coaching first base to third base and Nick Leyva, who serves as the club’s infield coach, will move from the third base coaching box to first base. The announcement was made by Pirates Senior Vice President, GM Neal Huntington along with Manager Clint Hurdle.  

Prior to being promoted to Hurdle’s coaching staff, Fischer spent each of the last three years as Pittsburgh’s Minor League Field Coordinator after serving the organization as an Advisor to Player Development in 2011. The 58-year-old Fischer returned to the Pirates organization in 2011 after serving as Milwaukee’s third base coach from 2009-2010.