CLEVELAND (AP) – Longtime Indians bullpen coach Luis Isaac has been fired by Cleveland manager Eric Wedge.

Wedge said Tuesday that “it was tough” to dismiss the 62-year-old Isaac, who had been with the club for 44 years.

Isaac joined Cleveland’s organization as a player in 1965 and also served as a minor league manager and scout.

“Luis was as loyal as the day is long,” Wedge said. “Ultimately, I felt we needed a different dynamic in the bullpen for that role. It’s been something I’ve been thinking about for a while.”

Wedge said the popular Isaac would not be reassigned in the organization.