Former player Don Kelly joins Detroit Tigers front office

The legendary DKB returns!

Don Kelly #32 of the Detroit Tigers congratulates teammate Rajai Davis #20 on a two-run home run against the Minnesota Twins during the seventh inning of the game on August 24, 2014

DETROIT – Don Kelly is returning to the Tigers... kind of.

The former utility player is returning to the Detroit Tigers, this time as a member of the team's front office.

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The Tigers have hired Jim Elliott, Paul Mirocke and Don Kelly as Major League Scouts. The organization has also expanded its analytics department by hiring Danny Vargovick, Drew Jordan and Shane Piesik as Analysts in Baseball Operations. In addition, Sam Menzin, who previously served as Director of Baseball Operations, will now assume the role of Director of Baseball Operations and Professional Scouting. Also, Jeff Weatherby has moved from Major League Scouting to International Scouting.

"Today’s announcement is another step in the building of our infrastructure within baseball operations,” said Al Avila, Tigers Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager. "Growth in the analytics area is key in our goal of making sound, informed baseball decisions both when evaluating players, and in providing data to the big league players, manager and his coaching staff. The additions in scouting are important for us in our search for impact type players to bring into our organization."

After playing nine seasons in the Major Leagues, including six with the Tigers, Kelly joined the Tigers front office prior to the 2017 season, working in both Player Development and Scouting. Kelly will transition into a full-time Major League Scout role moving forward with the organization.