Astros hire Rays exec James Click as GM to replace Luhnow

The Houston Astros hired James as their new general manager Monday, taking the Tampa Bay Rays executive and putting him in charge of the scandal-ridden team a week before the start of spring training.

succeeds Jeff Luhnow, who along with manager AJ Hinch was suspended by Major League Baseball in the wake of a sign-stealing scam and then fired by the Astros.

The AL champion Astros hired Dusty Baker last week as manager.

Astros owner Jim Crane announced the hiring of , who spent the last three seasons as the Rays' vice president of baseball operations. The 42-year-old had been with Tampa Bay for the last 14 seasons.

"I am excited to join the Astros family," said in a statement. "The Astros are a progressive and innovative organization with a deeply talented group in the front office."

was to be formally introduced by the Astros at a news conference on Tuesday at Minute Maid Park.

"James has had an impressive career," Crane said in a statement. “He is a respected leader who has progressed in this game across all aspects of baseball operations and he has built great relationships with both front office and clubhouse personnel.”