Pirates shuffle positions on training staff

Rob Biertempfel
Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018 12:42 p.m. | Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018 12:42 p.m.

Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review

Pirates second baseman Josh Harrison talks with head trainer Todd Tomczyk after being injured during a game against the Reds Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, at PNC Park.

The Pirates on Tuesday shuffled their sports performance team by promoting Todd Tomczyk to director of sports medicine and hiring a major league strength coach.

Tomczyk spent the past six seasons as the Pirates' head athletic trainer. That role will be filled by Bryan Housand, who has been with the club the past 17 years.

Jim Malone is the new strength coach. Malone previously worked as assistant athletic director for strength and conditioning at Campbell University. He also has worked for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets and San Diego Padres.

Ben Potenziano will return for his seventh season as assistant athletic trainer. Kevin “Otis” Fitzgerald will begin his third year as the club's physical therapist.

Rob Biertempfel is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at rbiertempfel@tribweb.com or via Twitter @BiertempfelTrib.

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