Padres hiring Athletics’ Ryan Christenson as bench coach

New Padres manager Bob Melvin’s coaching staff is coming into focus.

Oakland Athletics bench coach Ryan Christenson will serve Melvin in the same capacity in San Diego, a source confirmed for the Union-Tribune.

The Athletic first reported the hire.

Oakland granted the Padres permission to interview the 47-year-old Christenson, who was still under contract for the 2022 season.

Oakland General Manager David Forst had previously said he did not expect any of his coaches to follow Melvin to San Diego.

Christenson joined Melvin’s staff as his bench coach in 2018. He’s previously managed in Oakland’s minor league system.

As an outfielder, Christenson hit .222/.303/.329 in 1,154 plate appearances over six big-league seasons with the Athletics, Diamondbacks, Brewers and Rangers.

He was initially drafted out of Pepperdine in the 10^th round by Oakland in 1995.

Christenson joins a new-look staff that includes pitching coach Ruben Niebla and hitting coach Mike Brdar.

Coach Ryan Flaherty is also expected to return as an offensive coordinator for the hitting group, while bullpen coach Ben Fritz is also expected back.

The team has not formally announced Melvin’s coaching staff.

Skip Schumaker and Bobby Dickerson have joined the Cardinals’ and Phillies’ staffs, respectively, and hitting coach Damion Easley landed with the Diamondbacks as an assistant hitting coach.