The Toronto Blue Jays finalized their 2015 coaching staff Friday, adding former big league outfielder Eric Owens as assistant hitting coach and formally naming Dane Johnson bullpen coach.
The 43-year-old Owens will assist hitting coach Brook Jacoby, who joined the Blue Jays after Kevin Seitzer left for the Atlanta Braves. Johnson, the Blue Jays’ longtime minor league pitching coordinator, was also officially added to the big league coaching staff.
Owens spent nine seasons in the big leagues as a member of the Reds, Brewers, Padres, Marlins and Angels. He batted .264/.318/.347 with 26 career home runs and 126 stolen bases at the MLB level before retiring in 2003. The native of Danville, Va. spent the past four seasons as the minor league hitting coordinator of the Los Angeles Dodgers after five seasons coaching in the Los Angeles Angels’ minor league system.
The 51-year-old Johnson has been coaching in the Blue Jays’ organization since 2000, and earned the Bobby Mattick Award for his work in player development in 2010. Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi reported his upcoming promotion December 8.
The Blue Jays also announced that Sal Fasano will become the organization’s minor league pitching coordinator, replacing Johnson. Fasano, an 11-year MLB veteran, has managed in the Blue Jays’ system and served as catching instructor.
Darold Knowles was named Toronto’s rehabilitation pitching coach and Rick Langford was named senior pitching advisor.
