Tigers manager Jim Leyland gave a little preview of his lineup for the decisive game five against the New York Yankees Thursday night from the Bronx.
Leyland announced that Don Kelly would make the start at third base while Magglio Ordonez would start in right field.
Leyland cited Wilson Betemit’s struggles at the plate this series as his reasoning for going with Kelly at third. Currently Betemit is 0-for-8 with four strikeouts in Games 1, 3 and 4.
“If you saw the game last night, Wilson struggled,” Leyland said. “He had a tough night offensively.”
Kelly on the other hand is batting .429 so far in the postseason and hit sixth behind Victor Martinez in game 4 going 1-3. Leyland said it was Kelly’s hot bat coupled with this speed that earned him the start.
“It’s a short porch for Wilson, obviously,” Leyland said, referring to Yankee Stadium’s short porch in right field, “but, it’s a pretty short porch for Kelly as well.”
Leyland also noted that if the Tigers jump on the Yankees early he plans on moving Kelly out to right field and inserting Brandon Inge at third base.
As far as Ordonez goes, he played in the first three games of the series before sitting game 4. Leyland believes Ordonez looks rejuvenated with his 18 game hitting streak at the end of the regular season.
“He got freshened up a little bit,” Leyland said. “I think the ankle was sore for the first part of the season and his playing time got cut down. I think it actually helped him. He stayed fresher and I think he feels better.”
Ref: Mlive.com