Minnesota Twins bringing Ron Gardenhire back

Beloved former Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire is returning to the Twins two years after being let go.

Gardenhire will assume the duties of a special assistant to general manager Terry Ryan. Those duties include being a roving minor league instructor while carrying out special assignments for Ryan.

The 58-year-old Gardenhire last managed in 2014 as he guided the Twins to four straight seasons of 90-plus losses.

He had applied for vacancies in San Diego Washington.

In 13 seasons, Gardenhire compiled a 1068-1039 record, won six division titles and was named AL Manager of the Year in 2010.