Los Angeles Dodgers hitting coach Aaron Bates is reportedly returning to the team this weekend for the Dodgers’ road series against the San Diego Padres, per the Orange County Register’s Bill Plunkett.
Bates was absent from the team for two weeks for health-related reasons. The details of those health reasons have not been reported. Minor league hitting coordinator Brent Pill and hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc stepped in to cover Bates during his absence.
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#Dodgers hitting coach Aaron Bates is expected to rejoin the team this weekend in San Diego after being away for two weeks for health-related reasons. While Bates was away, minor-league hitting coordinator Brent Pill assumed some of his duties alongside Robert Van Scoyoc.
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) August 19, 2025
Bates has been with the Dodgers organization for several years as both a player and coach. Although he never made an MLB appearance with Los Angeles, the Dodgers signed Bates to a minor league contract in 2014 before ultimately releasing him a year later.
After not signing another MLB contract, Bates began his career as a hitting coach for the Dodgers organization. He started as a hitting coach in the Arizona League in 2015. then earned a promotion to coach for the Great Lake Loons.
The Dodgers selected Bates to be the minor league assistant hitting coordinator in 2018. He joined the MLB coaching staff in 2019 as an assistant hitting coach and was the Dodgers’ Director of Hitting for minor leagues that same season.
Los Angeles promoted Bates to be a hitting coach in 2023 where he has remained ever since. Throughout his coaching career, Bates has helped the Dodgers win the 2020 and 2024 World Series.
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Los Angeles was able to sweep the San Diego Padres to reclaim the top spot in the National League West last weekend. Then, they split a four-game series with the Colorado Rockies in Coors Field.
Now, LA has a one-game lead over the Padres in the NL West heading into this crucial three-game series. This will be the last time the two teams meet this regular season.
Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
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