Detroit Tigers and third base coach Joey Cora part ways

The Detroit Tigers and third base coach Joey Cora have mutually agreed to part ways, manager A.J. Hinch announced on Tuesday, July 7. Hinch cited philosophical differences as the reason for the midseason departure, which ends Cora's tenure with the club after two and a half seasons.

Hinch described the decision as stemming purely from baseball matters and not from any personal issues. He said both he and Cora agreed a separation was best for the team. The manager expressed gratitude for Cora's impact, particularly in fostering an aggressive, intense style of play that became a hallmark of the Tigers' identity in recent years. "He has really been impactful at changing our aggressiveness, our intensity, our toughness," Hinch said. "Now, those come with some risk."

Billy Boyer, a 42-year-old in his first season on the major league staff as a quality control coach, will take over as third base coach for the remainder of the season. Hinch acknowledged Boyer lacks Cora's extensive experience but expressed confidence in him, stating the team's aggressive mindset on the bases will not change. "The style of play is ingrained in what we do," Hinch said. "It's a huge competitive advantage...