ANAHEIM, Calif. — Former Detroit manager Brad Ausmus has joined the Los Angeles Angels as a special assistant to general manager Billy Eppler.

The Angels announced the move Wednesday.

Ausmus managed the Tigers for the past four seasons, going 314-332 and winning the AL Central in 2014. Detroit went 64-98 this season, and Ausmus' contract was not renewed.

The veteran big-league catcher worked in the San Diego Padres' front office between his playing career and his four-year stint with the Tigers.

Ausmus is filling a role in Anaheim previously held by Bud Black, who was a special assistant to Eppler from November 2015 to November 2016, when he was hired as the Colorado Rockies' manager.

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