Tigers fans did it! They were able to get catcher Alex Avila voted into the starting lineup for this years mid summers classic at Chase Field in Phoenix Arizona. Avila was able to pass Yankees catcher Russell Martin as the fan ballots were released Sunday afternoon.
Avila, 24, leads all A.L. catchers with a .299 batting average, 16 doubles, 46 RBIs and a .531 slugging percentage. He also ranks among the AL best at his position with 10 home runs and 67 hits.
Alex Avila won’t be the only Tiger in Arizona though.
Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera and Jose Valverde will also represent the Tigers on the American League Squad. Justin Verlander should very well be the starter for the American League however due to the placement of his starts this more than likely will not happen. Miguel Cabrera and Jose Valverde will be named as AL reserves.
Tigers catcher/DH Victor Martinez also has a chance at getting into the game as well. He is up for A.L. final vote consideration through on-line fan voting that ends Thursday. He is hitting .335 — second in the A.L. entering Sunday’s game — with six homers and 46 RBIs.
Source: MLB.com, Mlive.com
