Here are some various news and noteworthy items before the Tigers look to even up the series with the Texas Rangers Wednesday afternoon from Comerica Park.
- Former Tigers CF Chet Lemon will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to Wednesday’s game. The Four Tops will sing the games national anthem.
- Despite injuries to both players, DH Victor Martinez and OF Delmon Young will be in the Tigers’ lineup for Game 4. Victor Martinez appeared to be injured while hitting a home run in Tuesday night’s game. Delmon Young on the other hand has been dealing with a strained oblique that he originally suffered at the end of the ALDS. He was held out of Game 3.
- The Tigers cancelled their outdoor batting practice prior to Wednesday afternoon’s Game 4 and covered the field due to rain being in the forecast. A meeting between MLB officials as to take place at 2PM ET Wednesday to determine the status of Wednesday’s game. No word yet on what the outcome of that meeting was but as of right now the game is still on as scheduled. Game 2 was cancelled in Texas due to impending rain that never hit the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
- If Game 4 see’s any kind of postponement, Tigers ace Justin Verlander says he wouldn’t be prepared to handle another rain out. He is the scheduled Game 5 starter.
- There’s not question the Tigers have been hit hard this postseason with injuries and catcher Alex Avila has been no exception. However if anyone thinks he is coming out of the lineup during the postseason, Tigers manager Jim Leyland would have to differ. “If we’re playing, Alex will be catching.” Leyland told reporters prior to Game 4. Avila has been battling a sore knee throughout the entire postseason.
Ref: Mlive.com, MLB.com, Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, AP (image)