Mets name Jim Riggleman new bench coach

Jim RigglemanMickey Callaway has a new top lieutenant.

The Mets announced the hiring of Jim Riggleman as their bench coach on Monday. He replaces Gary DiSarcina, who was made the third base coach during the shakeup of Callaway’s staff earlier this month.

The Mets were expected to seek a veteran with National League experience and Riggleman, who also interview for the job in 2012, fits that description. He managed during 13 big league seasons and 12 of them were in NL with the Padres, Cubs, Nationals and Reds. The Mets also interviewed former Braves and Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez.