That Gary DiSarcina would one day join the Red Sox coaching staff seemed almost inevitable. He was born in Malden, raised in Billerica, attended UMass-Amherst, and twice before worked for the organization.
On Friday, he returned again as the bench coach.
It was a speedy search for the Sox after Torey Lovullo left to manage the Arizona Diamondbacks on Nov. 4. DiSarcina, the first base coach of the Los Angeles Angels, had the experience and personal connections manager John Farrell valued.
“Given the requirements of the job you start with a pretty wide list and begin to narrow things down,’’ Farrell said. “In the case of Gary, compared to the remainder of the list, I kept coming back to him given the person he is.’’
DiSarcina, who turns 49 this month, played 12 seasons with the Angels and for the last three years was on their coaching staff.
He also has an extensive background with the Red Sox.
In 2002, DiSarcina played 35 games for Pawtucket before ending his playing career. He rejoined the organization as a consultant in 2006 then managed Triple A Lowell for three seasons.
DiSarcina was minor league field coordinator in 2010 then returned to the Angels for two years. He was a special assistant to the general manager before becoming minor league field coordinator.
DiSarcina came back to manage Pawtucket in 2013 and was named minor league manager of the year by Baseball America. He worked with Matt Barnes, Xander Bogaerts, Jackie Bradley Jr., Brock Holt, Steven Wright, and Christian Vazquez that season then returned to the Angels in 2014.
Farrell and DiSarcina were teammates with the Angels from 1993-94. DiSarcina also played with hitting coach Chili Davis and first base coach Ruben Amaro Jr.
As the Triple A manager, DiSarcina worked closely with Farrell and in September spent time with the major league team. DiSarcina also worked closely with senior vice president and assistant general manager Brian O’Halloran, vice president of player development Ben Crockett, and vice president of baseball administration Raquel Ferreira. DiSarcina has a home in Plymouth. Now he gets to stay there more than a few months a year.
“The one thing that stands out to me in that time, in 2013, was how that major league staff — and John was the spearhead in that — made me feel part of it,’’ DiSarcina said. “It was like I was part of their extended staff . . . We very much share in the same core values.’’
Said Farrell: “There’s familiarity with everyone on our staff currently at some point in time. . . . But it’s about hiring the best available person.’’
“To land the job is very exciting. To be home is icing on the cake,’’ he said.
Surgery for Betts
All-Star right fielder Mookie Betts underwent surgery on his right knee Thursday at Massachusetts General Hospital. The arthroscopic procedure removed what the team said was a “loose body’’ from the joint. Betts is expected to be ready for spring training.
Betts hurt himself in July. When he began offseason workouts, his knee continued to bother him. Betts returned to Boston for an exam and the decision was made to have surgery.
“He was still feeling a little bit of discomfort. It was very minor procedure,’’ Farrell said. “I had a chance to spend some time with him [Friday]. He’s moving around well.’’
Betts, who already won a Gold Glove, is a finalist for the American League Most Valuable Player award. That will be announced Thursday.
On Friday, Wilson Sporting Goods named Betts its overall defensive player of the year. Dustin Pedroia was selected as the winner at second base for the third time in the five years Wilson has given out awards.
Spring ahead
Pitchers and catchers will report to spring training in Fort Myers, Fla., on Feb. 14 with the first full-squad workout Feb. 17. The Sox play Northeastern on Feb. 23. The Grapefruit League schedule starts Feb. 24 at JetBlue Park against the Mets. After a string of 24 consecutive years, the Sox will not play Boston College in spring training.
The Sox host Team USA on March 9. In all, the Sox will have 37 games counting two split-squad doubleheaders.
The equipment truck will leave Fenway Park on Feb. 6.
Spring training tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Dec. 3 at JetBlue Park and on redsox.com.
Peter Abraham can be reached at pabraham@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeteAbe.
