Tigers release Opening Day starting lineup

Before his team's workout at Comerica Park this afternoon, manager Brad Ausmus released his starting lineup for Opening Day.

1. Ian Kinsler, 2B
2. Torii Hunter, RF
3. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
4. Victor Martinez, DH
5. Austin Jackson, CF
6. Alex Avila, C
7. Nick Castellanos, 3B
8. Alex Gonzalez, SS
9. Rajai Davis, LF

Justin Verlander, SP

There are no real surprises to be found in Ausmus' batting order. The only debatable decision is starting the right-handed hitting Davis against Kansas City Royals right-hander James Shields.  Davis  has not hit right-handers well over his career, posting just a .594 OPS versus right-handed pitching in 2013, hitting .228/.273/.321. Originally acquired to be the right-handed hitting side of a platoon, Andy Dirks' back injury gives the speedy Davis more playing time.

Left-hand hitting rookie outfielder Tyler Collins made the team out of spring training as a replacement for Dirks. Apparently Ausmus didn't want to give Collins his first major league start in such a high profile game.