CHICAGO -- Gary Ward was fired as hitting coach of the struggling Chicago White Sox and replaced by Greg Walker.

Ward's dismissal came late Sunday night after Chicago lost three straight games at Minnesota, scoring six runs in the series.

Ward was hired two years ago after Von Joshua was fired. The White Sox are hitting .249 this season, 12th among the 14 AL teams, and are batting .232 with runners in scoring position. They have scored 173 runs in 43 games.

"You need a new voice," said White Sox manager Jerry Manuel, who described Ward as a friend. "Hopefully we have identified some things, and hopefully we can get going."

At 20-23, the Sox began Monday third in the AL Central, five games behind Minnesota.

"We felt the need for a change and a different voice in an effort to get our offense jump-started," general manager Kenny Williams said.

Walker has been the hitting coach for the White Sox's Triple-A affiliate at Charlotte and worked with many Sox players both there and at spring training. Walker, who played for the Sox from 1982-90, called the new position his dream job.

"I'm a White Sox guy," he said. "I've been following Frank Thomas since he was a baby. I actually went to spring training with him. I know these guys."