Sharp: Few options, so Tigers' Avila may bat 2nd by default

LAKELAND, Fla. – The options for batting second against right-handed starters in the Tigers' lineup are limited. That improves the odds of Alex Avila getting a serious look.

The thought no doubt evokes primal shrieks from those who have conveniently made Avila a whipping boy for practically everything that has gone wrong with the team the past three years.

His batting average has gotten progressively worse in each season since his All-Star selection in 2011. He strikes out too much. He doesn't run the bases well enough to score from first base on a double. And his issues with concussions calls into question Avila's ability to even stay on the field.

But there remains one pro that outweighs the many cons when assessing the situation: Avila's career on-base percentage against right-handers (.358) is better than other potential candidates.

"On-base percentage probably means a little more now," manager Brad Ausmus said Monday. "It's less about moving the runner for the No. 3 hitter but getting another opportunity to get another runner on base for when the big bats come to the plate."

Pitchers can take more chances against the bottom of the order. Avila often got too selective hitting seventh or eighth, and more than occasionally looked dreadful with two strikes. But batting second affords him more aggressiveness — especially with the leadoff hitter on base and Miguel Cabrera following.

He definitely would see more fastballs batting No. 2. That Avila has averaged double-digit home runs in the three seasons of a shrinking batting average means he still can feast on a major league fastball.

Ausmus compared the number of fastballs Torii Hunter got last year when he batted in the two-hole as opposed to the five-hole.

"It was a significant difference," he said. "He saw far more fastballs at No. 2, hitting in front of Miggy. That's something that must be factored into the decision."

Shortstop Jose Iglesias eventually might evolve into a good No. 2 hitter. But he missed last season following surgery for shin splints. The Tigers would prefer alleviating as many offensive responsibilities from him as possible. Iglesias' primary contribution in 2015 will be his legs holding up to the grind of playing a taxing position six days a week.

New starting centerfielder Anthony Gose also could claim the everyday leadoff position, moving Ian Kinsler to the two-hole.

That becomes the perfect solution. But that's predicated on a career .234 hitter with a poor .301 OBP having an immediate offensive revelation.

Possible? Sure. Probable? Guess again.

The options keep coming back to Avila against right-handed starters.

"It's not something that you would only do for a few games," Ausmus said, "and then change back if he struggles early. Each spot in the batting order brings with it a different mind-set, and you've got to give the hitter enough time to adapt. But I think Alex could handle it."

Avila's role is evolving. They've changed his mask and defensive stance behind the plate in an effort to reduce his susceptibility to concussion-like symptoms. But the Tigers will cut back on the number of games he'll catch. He'll probably play a little first base during the exhibition season as Cabrera and Victor Martinez recover from surgeries.

Finding an answer at the two-hole without Cabrera hitting third and Martinez batting clean-up becomes more difficult.

It becomes Ausmus' biggest spring training challenge. Since the Tigers can't throw bags of money at every problem, it's up to the manager to make the best of a difficult situation with the pieces available. That probably leaves him with an option that won't be a very popular decision.

Contact Drew Sharp: dsharp@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @drewsharp.