TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays introduced general manager Ross Atkins on Friday at Rogers Centre.
The former pitcher was drafted by Cleveland in 1995, joined the Indians’ player development department in 2000 and would go on to serve in a variety of front-office roles with the team.
He most recently served as the Indians’ vice-president of player personnel under Mark Shapiro, who became the Blue Jays’ president last month.
Atkins, a 42-year-old native of Greensboro, N.C., is the seventh general manager in Blue Jays history.
Tony LaCava, who served as interim GM after the departure of Alex Anthopoulos, will return to his assistant GM role and also serve as senior vice-president of baseball operations.
The Blue Jays won the East Division title last season with a 93-69 record.
