Alex Avila leaves ALCS Game 5 with injury

Tigers catcher Alex Avila left Game 5 of the ALCS vs. the Red Sox in the fourth inning with an injury suffered earlier in the game.

Avila was on the receiving end of a home plate collision with David Ross in the second inning after Shane Victorino grounded into a fielder's choice. Avila was immediately checked out by Tigers trainer Kevin Rand and stayed in the game, though he appeared to be still suffering the effects of the hit. Rand checked on Avila again between innings and the Tigers catcher could be seen going into the clubhouse before returning.

Avila stayed in the game through the third, but was pinch hit for by Brayan Pena in the fourth. (Pena grounded into a double play.)

The team announced Avila has a left knee petellar tendon strain and is day to day. Considering all the other possible injuries that could have befell him, that beats the alternatives.