Tigers Catcher Alex Avila Will Play in ALCS Game 6 Tonight in Boston

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Oct 17, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila (13) tags out Boston Red Sox catcher David Ross (3) at home plate during the second inning in game five of the American League Championship Series baseball game at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Avila‘s status for Game 6 of the ALCS was in doubt after he had to leave Game 5 early due to a knee injury suffered in a collision at the plate.

Many Tigers fans and writers suggested Avila’s injury could be an opportunity to slide Victor Martinez from DH to catcher and for the hobbled Miguel Cabrera to DH to get a rest from playing the field, but Jim Leyland confirmed in his pregame session with the media that Avila would be ready to go and in the lineup tonight.

Avila has hit .250/.471/.500 this series including a big home run back in Game 2 at Fenway Park. He’s the Tigers best option defensively behind the plate (by a long shot) so long as his knee won’t hamper his play to a significant degree.