Tigers’ Alex Avila, Anibal Sanchez nearing return to lineup
Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila and pitcher Anibal Sanchez could be returning to the lineup soon as the Tigers continue their push to lock down a playoff spot.
Avila hasn’t played in a week because of concussion symptoms and Sanchez has been out a month because of a strained pectoral muscle. Avila hit against Sanchez during a simulated game over the weekend.
Sanchez is 8-5 with a 3.46 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 102 strikeouts in 125 innings this season.
Avila said he has improved over the last couple of days and could be available to play in the series opener against the Chicago White Sox on Monday.
"Basically for the last three days, everything was just kind of like a guessing game, kind of just hoping I felt better," Avila said, according to MLB.com.
Avila is batting .223 with 11 home runs and 47 RBI this season for Detroit, who are 1.5 games ahead of the Kansas City Royals in the American League Central.
- Scooby Axson
