Tigers to address Ausmus’ future this week

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 before Detroit’s postseason hopes ended in a 1-0 loss to the Braves on Sunday.

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 ago.

General manager Al Avila has said it won’t be addressed until the season ends, and he has stuck to that. Once the Tigers’ season ended Sunday, nothing changed. It’s expected to be addressed in the coming week when they meet to discuss the season.

Until then, Ausmus had no answers.

“You can ask me about my job all you want,” he said after the game. “It’s going to be between me and Al. If Al thinks he would rather have someone else, I would respect his …

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