Athletics Make Coaching Decision During All-Star Break

Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Athletics Make Coaching Decision During All-Star Break

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Jul 13, 2026 2:44 PM ET

The Athletics announced a major coaching change Monday, dismissing longtime pitching coach Scott Emerson and promoting bullpen coach Dan Hubbs to interim pitching coach for the remainder of the 2026 season. The move followed a nine-game losing streak that sent the club into the All-Star break with a 41-55 record.

Emerson had served as the Athletics' pitching coach since June 2017 after spending more than a decade developing pitchers throughout the organization. He helped guide the club to three consecutive postseason appearances from 2018 through 2020, but the results have steadily declined over the past several seasons.

The decision comes after another difficult first half for the Athletics' pitching staff. The club owns a 5.21 team ERA, the second-highest mark in Major League Baseball, while allowing 5.50 runs per game. Those struggles contributed to 17 losses in the team's last 20 games, including Sunday's 9-1 defeat to the Chicago White Sox.

The A’s have dismissed pitching coach Scott Emerson. Bullpen coach Dan Hubbs will serve as interim pitching coach for the remainder of the 2026 season.
— A's Communications (@AthleticsPR) July 13, 2026

Hubbs now takes over a staff that has battled inconsistency throughout the season. Veterans Jeffrey Springs and Aaron Civale have struggled to find rhythm, while injuries have limited the club's pitching depth and forced younger arms into larger roles.

The Athletics will hope a new voice can help stabilize the staff after months of uneven performances. Improving run prevention will be one of Hubbs' biggest priorities when the second half begins.

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay (7)Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Athletics return from the All-Star break on Friday when they open a home series against the Washington Nationals. The organization will be looking for signs of progress under Hubbs as it tries to finish the season on a stronger note.

While a coaching change cannot solve every issue, the Athletics made it clear they believe the pitching staff needs a different direction heading into the second half.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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