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.
Alex Avila will be in the line up tonight and there will be no changes from game 5 per Jim Leyland.
— Jennifer Hammond (@HammerFox2) October 19, 2013
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.