Cubs hire Mallee as hitting coach

CHICAGO (AP) The Chicago Cubs have hired John Mallee as their hitting coach after Bill Mueller resigned this week.

The Cubs also hired Doug Dascenzo on Thursday as first base and outfield coach, with Eric Hinske shifting from that job to assistant hitting coach.

Mallee, a Chicago native, served as the hitting coach for the Miami Marlins (2010-11) and Houston Astros (2013-14). The Astros finished last in the American League with a .242 average but were third in homers with 163.

Dascenzo was drafted by the Cubs in 1985 and played for them from 1988 to 1992. He served as the third base coach for Atlanta this season, his first as a coach in the majors.