As he promised, Tigers catcher Alex Avila is back in his team's lineup for Game 6 of the American League Championship Series. Avila hurt his left knee while blocking the plate in Game 5 and left in the fourth inning, but after the game told the press that he expected to be able to play Saturday. He is, and he's batting sixth.
Detroit's lineup otherwise looks familiar to what manager Jim Leyland has put out there the past few days. Torii Hunter, Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder remain at the top. Jhonny Peralta is back out in left with Jose Iglesias playing short.
Max Scherzer will be taking the mound, trying to help his team stave off elimination. Scherzer limited the Red Sox to just a lone run in Game 2 Sunday only to watch as the bullpen handed Boston four runs in the eighth inning on a grand slam to David Ortiz.
The game is set for 8:07 p.m. ET, pushed back from the original afternoon start because the Cardinals won the National League Championship Series in six games Friday night with a 9-0 victory over the Dodgers.
Detroit Tigers
1. Torii Hunter, RF
2. Miguel Cabrera, 3B
3. Prince Fielder, 1B
4. Victor Martinez, DH
5. Jhonny Peralta, LF
6. Alex Avila, C
7. Omar Infante, 2B
8. Austin Jackson, CF
9. Jose Iglesias, SS
P: Max Scherzer
Boston Red Sox
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Shane Victorino, RF
3. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
4. David Ortiz, DH
5. Mike Napoli, 1B
6. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
7. Jonny Gomes, LF
8. Stephen Drew, SS
9. Xander Bogaerts, 3B
P: Clay Buchholz.