Blue Jays name Rays bench coach Charlie Montoyo manager

Major League Baseball will have another first-time manager with the Toronto Blue Jays' hiring of Charlie Montoyo.

The former bench coach of the Tampa Bay Rays will take over for John Gibbons, who posted a 793-789 record in 11 seasons over two different stints with the club.

Gibbons was fired after the Jays finished 73-89 this season.

Despite his low name recognition, Montoyo, 53, doesn't lack managerial experience. He spent 18 years managing in the Tampa Bay minor league system before taking over the job as the Rays' third base coach in 2015. After three years in that position, he was promoted to bench coach this past season.

"Charlie is passionate about the game, with a superior ability to connect and relate and we are confident he will have an overwhelmingly positive influence on Blue Jays players and staff," said general manager Ross Atkins in a statement.

The team announced he has agreed to a three-year contract with a team option for 2022.

Montoyo joins Alex Cora of the Boston Red Sox as current MLB managers who are natives of Puerto Rico. 

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