The Bronx Stop: A Yankees Blog

VIA ESPN/Assoicated Press:

Don Mattingly won't be alongside Joe Torre in the Los Angeles Dodgers' dugout for every game this year.

Mattingly will be moved from Dodgers hitting coach to major league special assignment coach for the 2008 season due to family reasons, the team said Tuesday. Mike Easler will replace Mattingly as hitting coach.

Mattingly will now assist with the Dodgers' major league coaching staff during spring training and throughout the season. He still wants to become a major league manager one day.

"I'm very grateful that the Dodgers have allowed me to take care of these family matters and I hope that everyone can respect our privacy during this time," Mattingly said in a statement issued by the team. "I truly appreciate the support of all Dodger fans since joining the organization and I look forward to helping the team win in 2008 and beyond.