Brewers promote Castro from bullpen to pitching coach

MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Brewers promoted Bill Castro to pitching coach Friday.

Castro served as the Brewers' bullpen coach the last 17 seasons. He takes over for Mike Maddux, who turned down an offer to stay for his seventh season with Milwaukee and accepted the same position with Texas.

Castro's only stint as pitching coach was in 2002 when he served in an interim role after Dave Stewart resigned.

Castro has spent 30 years in the Brewers' system as a coach and player, also serving on the scouting staff (1985-87) and as minor league pitching coordinator (1988-91). He pitched seven of his 10 years in the majors in Milwaukee from 1974-80.

"Bill has been a loyal employee of the Brewers for many years," general manager Doug Melvin said in a statement. "Because of his dedication and ability, he has earned the right to be given this opportunity."

The Brewers have been filling out the staff since Melvin hired Ken Macha as manager last Thursday. Macha still needs to choose a bench coach and Castro's replacement in the bullpen.