The Tampa Tribune is reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays have sought, and received, permission from the Rays to interview bench coach Dave Martinez to replace the retired Cito Gaston as manager.

Martinez is an original Devil Ray, recording the first base hit in team history and also played for the Cubs, Expos, Reds, Giants, White Sox, Rangers, Blue Jays and Braves over 15 big league seasons. He has been the Rays bench coach under manager Joe Maddon since 2008 but has never managed at any level of professional baseball. Martinez is believed to be one of several candidates for the Blue Jays job, a group that includes former big league manager Bobby Valentine.