DETROIT (AP) – Tigers pitching coach Jeff Jones is retiring after a 38-year career in professional baseball. The team announced Jones’ decision Monday and says it is beginning a search for a new pitching coach. Jones became the team’s pitching coach in July of 2011 when Detroit fired predecessor Rick Knapp in the middle of the season. Justin Verlander went on to win the Cy Young Award that year, and Max Scherzer followed suit in 2013. Detroit won four consecutive AL Central titles thanks in large part to its starting pitching, but the staff struggled this season as the Tigers sank to last place. Jones remained in his role as pitching coach when manager Jim Leyland stepped down and was replaced by Brad Ausmus after the 2013 season.
