INDIAN WELLS, Calif. -- In something of a surprise, the Red Sox have hired Juan Nieves as their next pitching coach, the team announced Wednesday.
Nieves, 47, had served as the Chicago White Sox bullpen coach for the past five seasons. Previously, he had been a pitching coach in the White Sox' minor league system for seven seasons.
A native of Puerto Rico who attended Avon Old Farms High School in Connecticut, Nieves' major league career was cut short by injures after just three seasons.
He pitched for the Milwaukee Brewers from 1986-1988, with a 32-25 record, including a no-hitter in 1987.
Nieves was one of four candidates interviewed by the Red Sox. They also spoke with Rick Peterson, Randy St. Claire and Steve Foster.
Nieves will become the fifth Red Sox pitching coach since the end of the 2010 season, following John Farrell (2007-2010); Curt Young (2011); Bob McClure (2012) and Randy Niemann (replaced McClure in August).