Detroit Tigers part ways with GM

The Sports Xchange

9 years ago

Jul 26, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Tigers President, CEO and General Manager Dave Dombrowski works in the dugout before their game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Dave Dombrowski is out as Detroit Tigers general manager.

The team announced Tuesday that assistant general manager Al Avila will take over as general manager and vice president of baseball operations for Dombrowski, who served as GM since 2002 and put together clubs that made five playoff appearances and won two American League titles.

“I’ve decided to release Dave from his contract in order to afford him the time to pursue other career opportunities,” Tigers owner Mike Illitch said.

The 59-year-old Dombrowski’s contract was set to expire at the end of the year. It’s speculated that he could wind up with the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Tigers are in third place this year in the AL Central with a 51-54 record but won four AL Central championships under Dombrowski’s leadership.

Avila’s son is Tigers catcher-first baseman Alex Avila.