Rays Announce Changes to Baseball Operations Staff

Tampa Bay Rays President of Baseball Operations Matt Silverman today announced several changes to the Rays baseball operations staff.

Effective at the end of the First-Year Player Draft signing period on July 17, R.J. Harrison will take on the position of senior advisor, scouting/baseball operations and Rob Metzler will become director, amateur scouting.

"These changes reflect both our confidence in the direction of our amateur scouting department and our hope for its continued evolution," said Silverman. "I am grateful for R.J.'s leadership of the department through this year's draft and for the past 10 seasons. It's only because of his guidance and mentorship that we are in position to take these next steps."

In this new role, Harrison will impact many facets of the baseball operations department. He will maintain a similar level of amateur coverage while devoting time to internal and external assignments for the department.

"Very few people get to have as long a run in the director role as I have had, and I am very thankful to the organization for their faith in me over the years," said Harrison. "I look forward to many more years helping grow our baseball organization and plan to enjoy the challenges ahead."

The team also named James Click director, baseball operations; Matt Arnold, director, player personnel; and Bobby Heck, special assistant, baseball operations.