Alex Avila feeling strong, could be a DH option for Detroit Tigers – MLB News
Alex Avila could be asked to perform designated hitter duties after the Tigers announced on Tuesday that Victor Martinez is likely to miss the entire season due to an ACL tear. The Tigers could also sign Brennan Boesch as a replacement to Martinez, an idea
Boesch is open to.
Martinez produced impressive performances in 2011 season and he played a crucial role in Tigers’ American League Central title winning campaign. Batting behind Miguel Cabrera, he provided the Tigers with stability and control in their batting line-up. His
injury just before the spring training season has certainly pushed the panic button within Tigers’ camp.
Dave Dombrowski, the general manager, is looking at several options at the moment. However, with their payroll budget already exceeding $100 million, the Tigers are likely to sign a DH from their arbitration-eligible players, a move that could save them
considerable amount of money.
Avila, who struggled to find his form in the playoffs, has just recovered from tendinitis in both of his knees. Although he hit .295 with 19 home runs and 82 RBI’s in 2011 regular season, he was unable to live up the expectations in the post season.
"Right after the season, right after we got done, I took a few weeks of not doing anything, which felt really nice," Avila said. "Just a couple weeks of basically lounging around on the couch all day, my body felt pretty good, my knees got a lot better and
then I spent the whole month of November rehabbing, just getting my knees back to strength and the rest of my body. I feel great now. I've been going through my offseason workouts, hitting, throwing and I feel great."
Martinez’s absence from the batting line-up will provide Avila with an excellent opportunity to revive his career. Although batting behind Cabrera demands a lot of credibility, the striker will have to accept these challenges if he wants to succeed at this
level.
Avila will be looking to stay healthy and fit to become a permanent part of Tigers’ batting line-up. Dave Dombrowski, on the other hand, will be looking to make the best possible decision for the club.
Tags: