GM Avila shows support for Ausmus

DETROIT — The Tigers began their nine-game homestand just over a week ago with speculation swirling around Brad Ausmus’ managerial future. As they wrapped up the homestand Wednesday, general manager Al Avila spoke up in support of Ausmus.

Speaking with Jim Duquette and Mike Ferrin on MLB Network Radio, Avila said Ausmus is part of the solution, not the problem.

“I understand you can do all you can, and if things don’t work out, at the end of the day you still might have to make a change just for the sake of change,” Avila said. “But for me, I’m telling you right now, Brad is one of the smartest guys that you’re going to find in baseball. On top of that, he’s also one of the more experienced guys from a pure baseball background. So he’s got that analytical mind, he’s got wit, but he’s also got the baseball player in him of 18 years behind the plate.

• Ausmus out to tend to family matters

“He’s got that combination of new-school analytics but old-school baseball guy. And he brings it to the park every single day. And …

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