Diamondbacks Remove Third Base Coach From Role After Multiple Poor Decisions
The Arizona Diamondbacks have removed Shaun Larkin from his third base coaching duties following a costly decision in a recent 3-2 extra-inning win over the Cleveland Guardians.
Manager Torey Lovullo confirmed that Larkin will remain on the coaching staff to work with infielders while the team evaluates internal and external replacements for the third base role.
Torey Lovullo announces that the Diamondbacks are looking for a new third base coach after pulling Shaun Larkin from the role. pic.twitter.com/HLA1Ovv0rp
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) August 20, 2025
Arizona Diamondbacks Relieve Shaun Larkin of Third Base Duties
Larkin, who previously served as the team’s director of player development in 2024, was promoted to third base coach after Tony Perezchica departed for the Houston Astros. Lovullo explained that Larkin had never coached third base at the major league level before, and despite giving him time to adjust, Wednesday’s play proved decisive.
Alek Thomas was waved home by Larkin in the fifth inning but was tagged out after a perfect relay from Angels Martínez to Gabriel Arias at home. The miscue intensified criticism of Larkin, with fans labeling him among the worst third base coaches in the league.
It appears even the Dbacks players are becoming frustrated at 3rd base coach Shaun Larkin
— Dalton Feely (@dfeely14) August 17, 2025
Look at Jake McCarthy's reaction when he got this stop sign pic.twitter.com/lXd3KdGHpJ
Dbacks manager Torey Lovullo has now removed Shaun Larkin from his third base coaching role for the remainder of the season, per @BNightengale https://t.co/UzJryvcIOx
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 20, 2025
“He’s got a great nose for this game, and he works hard,” Lovullo said. “But coaching third base is a really difficult thing at the Major League level. Mistakes were made, and we’ve got to manage the team and allow players to press the issue.”
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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