The Detroit Tigers have announced their playoff roster for the 2011 American League ALDS. There were no real roster surprises to be had here, other than the question of who would claim Detroit’s final playoff pitching spot.
The Tigers ultimately decided to fill that final roster slot with starting pitcher Brad Penny. Detroit elected Penny over reliever David Pauley for the playoffs because Penny provides the club with an additional starter in case of injury or rain delay.
Detroit heads into the playoffs with a roster comprised of 11 pitchers and 14 position players. Justin Verlander will start game one against the New York Yankees and be followed by Doug Fister, Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello. Tigers manager Jim Leyland already confirmed that he will not be using Verlander on short rest during the playoffs.
During the ALDS, the Tigers will have a corps of relievers that includes Al Albuquerque, Joaquin Benoit, Phil Coke, Daniel Schlereth, Ryan Perry, Jose Valverde and Penny.
The list of the Tigers position players looks something like this; outfielders Austin Jackson, Delmon Young, Magglio Ordonez, Don Kelly, Andy Dirks and Ryan Raburn, infielders Miguel Cabrera, Brandon Inge, Jhonny Peralta, Wilson Betemit and Ramon Santiago and catchers Alex Avila and Omir Santos. Victor Martinez will be the club’s designated hitter.
The Tigers and Yankees begin their series this evening at 8:37 p.m.
For more on the Tigers, be sure to check out Motor City Bengals.