Alex Avila will be sidelined for at least a few games due to a sore left patella tendon, reports Tom Gage of the Detroit News. Avila’s 2011 postseason performance was impacted by a similar injury, and the Detroit Tigers are giving their catcher time off hoping to avoid a more significant absence.
This is the type of injury that is likely to make Tigers fans extremely nervous. Avila has been more than solid behind the plate for Detroit over the past season-plus, but the team witnessed what this type of injury can do to a player such as Avila.
During last year’s playoff run Avila was mostly ineffective at the plate in large part due to a sore patella tendon in his left knee. Over his 11 games against the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers, Avila only mustered an OPS of .263.
Avila broke onto the major league scene last season, posting a line of .295/.389/.506 with 19 home runs, 33 doubles and 82 RBIs for the Tigers. These marks earned Avila an All-Star nod, a Silver Slugger Award and even MVP consideration.
Avila’s been able to get off to another good start in 2012, with an OPS of .796 over his first 23 games. However, if this nasty injury rears its head once again, Avila could be forced to miss significant time or, if he’s able to play, his performance figures to be greatly impacted.
While the Tigers evaluate the extent of Avila’s injury, veteran reserve Gerald Laird will act as Detroit’s primary catcher.
For more on the Tigers be sure to check out Motor City Bengals.
You can follow Call to the Pen on Twitter at @FSCalltothePen or like us here on Facebook.