MLB hires Chris Young as VP of on-field operations

Veteran right-hander Chris Young has been hired by Major League Baseball as vice president of on-field operations, initiatives, and strategy, commissioner Rob Manfred announced Thursday.

"His unique background and experience as a player will make Chris an asset to a wide variety of initiatives going forward," Manfred said in a statement.

Young will report to Peter Woodfork, senior vice president of on-field operations. In his new role, Young is expected to focus on rules and regulations, pace of play, and on-field standards, among other aspects of the game.

"I look forward to working in the Baseball Operations Department and contributing to the advancement of the game," Young said.

Young's transition to the front office ends a 13-year career that saw him pitch for five different teams, most recently the Royals, winning a World Series with Kansas City in 2015. He made his lone All-Star appearance with the San Diego Padres in 2007, a season in which Young finished with a career-best 167 strikeouts, 1.09 WHIP, and 128 ERA+ in 30 starts.