Mike Rojas named 2017 Mud Hens manager

The Detroit Tigers and Toledo Mud Hens announced today Mike Rojas as the 2017 manager of the Tigers' Triple-A affiliate Toledo Mud Hens.  

The 53-year old Florida native most recently worked as the Seattle Mariners bullpen coach in 2014-15 alongside former Mud Hens Manager Lloyd McClendon. Rojas replaces McClendon, who returns to the Tigers as hitting coach.

Rojas' first stint with the Hens came in 2007 when he spent the season as manager of the Toledo Mud Hens after former manager Larry Parrish injured his ankle. He guided the team to an 82-61 record and an International League West title.

"We're pleased to name Mike Rojas as manager of the Toledo Mud Hens," said Dave Littlefield, Detroit Tigers V.P. of Player Development. "He brings with him a great deal of knowledge from both the major and minor league levels and with the Detroit Tigers organization. This along with his experience in player development will help bring back a winning culture to Toledo."

Mike Rojas was a member of the Detroit Tigers staff from 2004 until 2013. He served as the manager at Single A Oneonta in 2004, Single A Lakeland in 2005-06 and Toledo in 2007 before becoming the minor league field coordinator. In 2011, he was promoted to bullpen coach, a position he held for three seasons. Rojas also managed in the Reds, Astros, and White Sox farm systems.

"The Mud Hens are excited to welcome Mike back to the organization," said Erik Ibsen, Toledo Mud Hens General Manager and Executive Vice President. "Earlier in his career, he had great success with the Hens - on-field and with getting players to the next level. We look forward to what 2017 brings."

Rojas becomes the sixth person to manage the Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field and the 54th in Toledo baseball history.

Joining the 2017 coaching roster as Mud Hens hitting coach is Brian Harper. Harper, a former catcher and leftfielder, replaces longtime coach Leon "Bull" Durham who Detroit promoted to Tigers assistant hitting coach. Harper played 16 seasons in the majors including one season with Detroit.

Returning for their second season with are pitching coach Jeff Pico and third base coach Basilio Cabrera. Rounding out the Hens' staff are athletic trainer Chris McDonald (4th season) and strength and conditioning coach Fred Murphy (3rd season).

The Hens open 2017 season with a seven-game road trip starting on April 6. The team opens their 16th season at Fifth Third Field against Indianapolis on Thursday, April 13 at 4:05 p.m.