Tigers holding off on Ausmus’ option for ’17

ATLANTA — The setup came during a question about Tigers reliever Bruce Rondon, and whether his strong finish in a variety of roles might lead to a set role for him next season. Brad Ausmus didn’t miss the punchline.

“You might want to ask whoever’s managing next year,” Ausmus quipped.

It wasn’t the first time this weekend that Ausmus joked about his job speculation. When the Tigers opened this series Friday, he was asked about the challenges an interim manager — such as Braves manager Brian Snitker — can face compared with a manager who has contractual security.

“I couldn’t answer that. I’ve never been one,” Ausmus said before pausing, “although I’ve been kind of an interim manager for like two years.”

Both were subtle plays at the job speculation he has faced since last summer. Last year, it was about whether the Tigers’ last-place finish would prompt the team to part ways before the final guaranteed year of his deal. Earlier this season, it was about a potential midseason change following Detroit’s slow start.

Now, it’s about the contract option the club holds on him for next season under the deal he signed when Detroit hired him three years …

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