McLaren hired as bench coach

The Nationals have hired John McLaren as bench coach, the first staff change since Jim Riggleman took over as permanent manager, a club source has confirmed.

McLaren, 58, was manager of the Mariners from 2007-08, posting a combined 68-88 record before getting fired and replaced by his bench coach, which at the time was Riggleman.

McLaren, who has previous major league coaching experience with the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Reds and Devil Rays, served a scout with Tampa Bay last season. In Washington, he'll replace Pat Corrales, who had reassumed his position as bench coach in July after Manny Acta was fired and replaced by Riggleman. Corrales is expected to remain with the Nationals organization in another capacity.

Riggleman still must decide what to do with five other coaching positions. Pitching coach Steve McCatty, hitting coach Rick Eckstein and third base coach Pat Listach have not been informed of their status yet. First base coach Marquis Grissom and bullpen coach Randy Knorr have been told they won't return to the big league staff, though Knorr has agreed to become manager at Class AA Harrisburg.