Tigers manager Jim Leyland has posted his Game 1 lineup against Texas left-hander C.J. Wilson, and there's one notable absence:
Rangers vs. Tigers: Jim Leyland’s Game 1 Lineup
1. Austin Jackson, CF
2. Ryan Raburn, LF
3. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
4. Victor Martinez#, DH
5. Magglio Ordonez, RF
6. Alex Avila*, C
7. Jhonny Peralta, SS
8. Ramon Santiago#, 2B
9. Brandon Inge, 3B
Delmon Young, who hit three home runs in five games against the Yankees in their Division Series, is out of action with an oblique injury. This means Ryan Raburn in left field, and Leyland has also moved Miguel Cabrera from cleanup to the No. 3 slot.
It’s worth noting that Raburn’s numbers this season, thought unimpressive, were essentially the same as Young’s; granted, Young did significantly better after joining the Tigers in August.
Regardless, Leyland has obviously stacked his lineup with right-handed and switch-hitters, hoping to counter Wilson. Alex Avila is the only lefty in the lineup, and he’s going to catch every game this month unless he’s hurt because the Tigers’ only real backup catcher is Omir Santos.
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