Bill Castro, who has spent 17 years on the Brewers' major-league staff, was promoted from bullpen coach to pitching coach.

Castro, who had served as the Brewers' bullpen coach, replaces Mike Maddux, who accepted a job as pitching coach in Texas.

"Bill has been a loyal employee of the Brewers for many years," general manager Doug Melvin said in a statement announcing the hire. "Because of his dedication and ability, he has earned the right to be given this opportunity."

Castro, a 56-year-old resident of Franklin, won the job after visiting with new manager Ken Macha recently in Pittsburgh.

Castro, who pitched for the Brewers from 1974-'80, joined the organization as a scout in 1985, worked as minor-league pitching coordinator and bullpen coach. He was interim pitching coach in 2002 after Dave Stewart resigned.

The Brewers now are looking for a bullpen coach to replace Castro and a bench coach.