The Quad Cities River Bandits have hired a new manager. This morning, the Bandits and Houston Astros announced Ray Hernandez will lead the single-A baseball team.
Last year, Hernandez was the development coach for the Astros' Triple-A franchise in Fresno, California. This will be the 30-year-old's first job as manager. He's a native of Sacramento and played two seasons in the Arizona Diamondback’s farm system.
The River Bandits also announced Erick Abreu will serve as pitching coach. He pitched professionally for 12 seasons, in the Astros and Yankee's farm systems.
Hitting Coach, Rafael Pena, returns to the Quad Cities after helping the Bandits reach the playoffs last season when he was the team's development coach.
The River Bandits will open the season on April 4th at home against the Burlington Bees.