TORONTO — Pat Hentgen is returning to the field as Toronto Blue Jays bullpen coach, moving back into the role he vacated a year ago for family reasons to round out manager John Gibbons’ staff.

The 44-year-old served as a special assistant to the organization last season after working the bullpen coach’s job in 2011 under former manager John Farrell.

Hentgen, the first Cy Young Award winner in franchise history, was well respected and liked in the clubhouse, but was replaced by Pete Walker when he felt he needed more time at home.

Walker is now the pitching coach and will work closely with Hentgen, who has worked for the Blue Jays in some capacity, primarily as a club ambassador, since retiring from the mound in July 2004.

Gibbons’ staff also includes bench coach DeMarlo Hale, hitting coach Chad Mottola, first base coach Dwayne Murphy, and third base coach Luis Rivera.