Ron Washington Hired by Oakland A's: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

Former MLB player and manager Ron Washington is reportedly returning to the big leagues this week as a coach with the Oakland Athletics.

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports confirmed his addition to the staff:

Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle provided the details:

Washington spent 10 seasons in the majors as a shortstop with five different organizations. He then joined the A's coaching staff in 1996, where he remained until taking over as manager of the Texas Rangers in late 2006.

He remained in that position for eight years, posting a 664-611 record (.521 win percentage) in the regular season. He also led the Rangers to a pair of American League titles.

Last September, Washington decided to step down from his position with Texas and later announced it was due to a personal failure in regards to his marriage.

The Athletics are hopeful he can help improve the team's dreadful defense. Oakland ranks last in fielding percentage (.972), and the team's 43 errors are nine more than any other team. The A's are the only team averaging more than an error per game.

It's a chance for Washington to ease back into the spotlight with an organization he already knows and, ideally, provide the team with some valuable insight in the field.