The Dodgers' bench coach will manage the Phoenix Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League, a hopeful step in the right direction for Mattingly.
Mattingly long has been rumored to replace Joe Torre (whose contract is up after this season) in Los Angeles.
While Mattingly has yet to manage at any level (except for two games this year because of a Torre suspension), the former Yankees star welcomes any challenge.
"There's nothing like experience," Mattingly told MLB.com. "If I get the chance to manage in the big leagues, I'll have someone with experience [as bench coach] who's been through it before. Part of it is managing the game, and obviously that's important. But most of it is managing the club and setting the tone and putting players in position to have success."
There are six teams in the AFL, which runs from October 12-November 20.
Mattingly's team, the Desert Dogs, will consist of prospects from the Atlanta Braves, Florida Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Oakland Athletics.
Fans looking to check out up-and-coming D-Backs players should keep an eye on the Scottsdale Scorpions. They include the Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants, and Washington Nationals.
Here are the other four teams and their major-league affilliations:
Mesa Solar Sox: Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Peoria Javelinas: Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, and Toronto Blue Jays.
Peoria Saguaros: Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, and Tampa Bay Rays.
Surprise Rafters: Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Texas Rangers.
For more info on the AFL, go here.
