Alex Avila was dealing with right-hamstring tightness earlier in June, and Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland kept playing him. Not because he's a reckless fool, but because Avila gave the Tigers the best chance to win. Everyone involved got burned, though, when Avila re-aggravated the injury and went on the disabled list.

Avila is back, though. From MLive.com:

As expected, the Tigers announced late Wednesday that Avila would rejoin the team before Thursday's series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals. In order activate Avila, the club will need to clear a spot on the 25-man roster.

There is question as to whether the club will option rookie catcher Bryan Holaday after backup catcher Gerald Laird left in the fifth inning Wednesday night with left hamstring cramping.

Laird and Holaday took care of most of the catching duties in Avila's absence. Either Laird will go on the DL, or Holaday will go back to Toledo.