Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila has been cleared to play after missing four games due to a mild concussion and a sprained jaw sustained in a collision with first baseman Prince Fielder on Sunday. Despite displaying concussive symptoms as recently as Wednesday, Avila passed a concussion test on Thursday and the Tigers feel the catcher is healthy enough to play, per the Detroit News:
Tigers’ Alex Avila Cleared For Return
Avila probably will start tonight against the Twins after missing the entire A's series.
"My jaw is going to be sore for another few days," he said. "But I feel more normal. No more headaches."
Avila lost consciousness when his jaw collided with Fielder’s elbow while chasing down a pop-up on Sunday. The catcher reportedly experienced headaches and memory loss after the event, but the Tigers did not classify his injury as a concussion until Tuesday.
After a mammoth 2011, the lefty-hitting catcher is batting .247/.355/.388 with just eight home runs and 43 RBI on the season.
See More:
