Tigers Lineup: Avisail Garcia To Man OF For Second Straight Day

May 26, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder Avisail Garcia (34) hits an three RBI triple in the sixth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Avisail Garcia hasn’t really received regular playing time since he was recalled from the minor leagues to replace the injured Austin Jackson, but he’s getting a (small) opportunity with Torii Hunter resting a sore elbow yesterday and skipping out to attend his son’s graduation today (and tomorrow).

Chris Iott of MLive has the full lineup for tonight’s game in Baltimore:

"Detroit Tigers1. Omar Infante, 2B2. Andy Dirks, LF3. Miguel Cabrera, 3B4. Prince Fielder, 1B5. Victor Martinez, DH6. Jhonny Peralta, SS7. Alex Avila, C8. Avisail Garcia, CF9. Don Kelly, RF"

Alex Avila has really struggled through the first two months (to the point where some have suggested he take a tour in AAA to get his confidence back), but he’s had tremendous success at Baltimore’s Camden Yards where he’s hit .286/.432/.571 in 44 career plate appearances. This almost certainly carries zero predictive value — we’re seeing mostly noise here — but it’s better than seeing the alternative line.

Prince Fielder must be glad to see the end of May. He’s hit just .243/.366/.369 this month in his 123 plate appearances. Compare that .735 OPS to the .893 OPS that Brayan Pena has put up this month. Again, not very predictive.

With Hunter away from action, we’re likely going to have to endure Don Kelly’s presence in the lineup for at least a couple more days.