AP

Don Mattingly won’t be alongside Joe Torre in the Dodgers’ dugout every game this year.

Mattingly will be moved from hitting coach for the Dodgers to major league special assignment coach for the 2008 season due to family reasons, the team said today.

“Donnie is prioritizing his family first,” said the former MVP’s agent, Ray Schulte. “The Dodgers have been very supportive, creating a position so Don can still make a contribution to the team throughout the year!” After losing out to Joe Girardi for the Yankees’ manager job, Mattingly agreed to follow Torre to Los Angeles. Mattingly will now assist with Dodgers’ major league coaching staff during spring training and throughout the season.

“I’m very grateful that the Dodgers have allowed me to take care of these family matters and I hope that everyone can respect our privacy during this time,” Mattingly said in a statement issued by the team. “I truly appreciate the support of all Dodger fans since joining the organization and I look forward to helping the team win in 2008 and beyond.”