Chris Young replaces Joe Torre as MLB disciplinarian

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Major League Baseball will have a new disciplinarian.

Hall of Famer Joe Torre, who has headed baseball operations at the commissioner’s office since 2011, is shifting to a role as special assistant to the commissioner.

Former pitcher Chris Young will replace Torre as the person who decides suspensions and fines for on-field matters, such as intentionally hitting batters, charging the mound and fights.

Torre, who turns 80 in July, is expected to travel less during the season. A nine-time All-Star from 1960-77, Torre managed for 29 seasons through 2010 and won four World Series titles with the New York Yankees.

Torre was hired as MLB’s executive vice president for baseball operations in February 2011 and became chief baseball officer during a reorganization in December 2014 as Rob Manfred prepared to succeed Bud Selig as commissioner.

Young pitched in the major leagues for 13 years and retired after the 2017 season. He joined MLB in May 2018 as vice president of on-field operations, initiatives and strategy, and he was promoted Thursday to senior vice president. The 40-year-old will oversee on-field operations and umpiring, and he will report to deputy commissioner Dan Halem.

Appeals of on-field discipline decisions will continue to be heard by John McHale Jr., a special assistant to Manfred.

In another staff move, Morgan Sword was promoted to executive vice president of baseball economics and operations from senior vice president of league economics and strategy.

Former players Gregor Blanco and Nick Hundley were hired as senior directors of baseball operations.