Phillies name ex-skipper Charlie Manuel hitting coach
The team currently ranks 24th in the majors in batting average (.245), 23rd in home runs (149) and 22nd in slugging percentage (.738).
The Phillies have lost five of their last six games and entered Tuesday in fourth place in the National League East, nine games behind the division-leading Atlanta Braves.
Manuel, 75, who currently works as senior adviser to the general manager, will assume the position for the remainder of the season.
Manuel compiled a 780-636 record in nine seasons as Philadelphia's skipper from 2005-13, capturing two pennants and the 2008 World Series championship.
He previously served as hitting coach for the Cleveland Indians from 1988-89 and 1994-99. From 1994-99, Cleveland led the American League in runs three times and in homers twice, including a franchise-record 220 homers in 1997.
