NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. – The Toronto Blue Jays plan to make Derek Shelton their quality assurance coach, filling the void on manager John Gibbons’ staff created when assistant hitting coach Eric Owens’ contract wasn’t renewed after the season.

Shelton, fired by the Tampa Bay Rays Sept. 6 after seven years as their hitting coach, was hired by the Blue Jays shortly afterwards in an advanced scouting role. His duties as quality assurance coach will extend beyond the field, although details of the appointment were still being finalized.

The 46-year-old was replaced in Tampa Bay by Chad Mottola, who served as hitting coach for the Blue Jays during the 2013 season before working in the Rays farm system

Shelton – known for his ability to connect with players and his work ethic – previously served as hitting coach for Cleveland from 2005-09, where he developed a relationship with Atkins and Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro.

Owens’ departure was the only change in the Blue Jays’ coaching staff. Bench coach DeMarlo Hale, first base coach Tim Leiper, third base coach Luis Rivera, pitching coach Pete Walker and bullpen coach Dane Johnson are all returning.