Detroit Tigers Lineup: Jhonny Peralta Active, Starting in Left Field

June 20, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta (27) hits a two run walk off home run in the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Detroit won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Tigers have released their lineup for Friday’s series opener in Miami, and Jhonny Peralta is indeed back and playing in left field. The Tigers went 29-21 (.580) in Peralta’s absence (they were .587 before his suspension).

Torii Hunter will take a seat and Andy Dirks will shift over to play right field. The Marlins won’t be sending out a left-handed starter in this series, so the Tigers won’t be able to get Peralta into the outfield within their traditional platoon.

Also of interest is Miguel Cabrera’s presence in the lineup. He’s been hobbled for a while now and many have been calling for him to sit, but I think both he and manager Jim Leyland are terrified of sitting too much and not being prepared come October 4. Before we go all RAGE on the decision to play Cabrera it’s important to remember that (1) sitting a game or two (or even three) in this series isn’t going to mean he’s 100% by the time the ALDS starts and (2) the team will have four full days off between Sunday’s season finale and next Friday’s ALDS opener.

Jose Iglesias returns to the starting lineup for the first time since getting plunked on the hand eight days ago in the series against the Mariners. He’s played one inning in the field since then but hasn’t stepped to the plate.

Hernan Perez will get the start at second base to give Omar Infante a day off. Could this mean that Perez is looking at a spot on the playoff roster?

No DH means no Victor Martinez in the lineup. Expect him to start a game in this series behind the plate and pinch some as well.