Lost amidst the hustle and bustle of Friday’s major league trading deadline, Pepperdine announced two additions to its coaching staff. The Waves replaced pitching coach Sean Kenney (who left for Maryland earlier in July) with Long Beach State’s Jon Strauss, and they added former Ohio State catcher Joe Wilkins as a volunteer assistant.

Strauss recently completed his third coaching stint with the Dirtbags this spring. He previously served as an assistant on Dave Snow’s staff from 1995-2000 and then again as a volunteer under Mike Weathers in 2006. During his time at LBSU as a coach, the Dirtbags went 313-227, won three Big West titles, advanced to six regionals and finished third at the 1998 College World Series.

“The Pepperdine and Long Beach State baseball programs both have a great history and winning traditions, so I’m confident the transition will be an easy one for Jon and that he’ll help us get deeper into the postseason,” Pepperdine coach Steve Rodriguez said. “I’ve gotten to know Jon pretty well on the recruiting trail and I’m excited that he and his family are coming to Malibu to join the Pepperdine family.”