Brewers fire Castro, demote Hardy

MILWAUKEE, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- The Milwaukee Brewers fired pitching coach Bill Castro and sent shortstop J.J. Hardy to the minors, the team announced Wednesday.

Chris Bosio became interim pitching coach of a staff that ranks 27th in the major leagues.

The team also designated utility player Bill Hall for assignment, and recalled shortstop Alcides Escobar and outfielder Jason Bourgeous from its Nashville affiliate.

Hardy, who was named to the National League All-Star team in 2007, has a .262 batting average in five years in the majors but has hit just .229 this season.

Hall, a .253 hitter in eight seasons, has averaged just .201 in 76 games in 2009.