Avila (knee) will receive a third opinion Wednesday, and there has still been no final decision made regarding surgery, Matthew Mowery of the Oakland Press reports. It sounds like the Tigers are just doing their due diligence before opting for arthroscopic surgery, which is the largely anticipated course of action. Avila is expected to be back at some point in the second half, assuming he undergoes surgery, and James McCann figures to get most of the starts at catcher in the meantime.

Avila is likely to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, MLive.com reports. An MRI revealed a "loose body" in Avila's ailing left knee, resulting in his placement on the 15-day DL on Saturday. The 28-year-old is very likely to have the knee scoped, and while the Tigers have not given a timetable for Avila's return, manager Brad Ausmus said he's hoping to have him back for the second half. James McCann will see most of the time behind the plate in the interim.

Avila has been placed on the 15-day DL with a loose body in his left knee. Avila missed Friday's game with a forearm contusion, but that's likely completely seperate from what has landed him on the DL. James McCann will take over behind the plate, with Bryan Holaday called up to fill the backup role.

Avila was a late scratch Friday due to a right forearm contusion suffered Thursday, Matthew B. Mowery of The Oakland Press reports. Avila was struck in the forearm by a foul ball Thursday, which is the likely cause of the contusion causing him to miss Friday's contest. Fortunately, the injury is nothing more than a deep bruise, which shouldn't cause him to miss too much time.

Avila was a late scratch for Friday's game against the Royals, James Schmehl of MLive Media Group reports. Avila's reason for being scratched is not yet known, but he'll sit Friday in favor of James McCann behind the plate, who'll bat eighth for the Tigers. The team should provide an update on his status at some point, indicating the reason why Avila was scratched Friday.

Avila is not in the lineup Wednesday against the White Sox, Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune reports. Avila has started behind the dish each of the last four game -- picking up five hits and four RBI in that span -- so it appears to be nothing more than just a regular day off. James McCann will slot into the lineup as the catcher Wednesday in his stead.

Avila is for Thursday's game against the Royals. It's odd to see Avila out of the lineup for a second straight game, but Wednesday's contest against the Twins was a day game after a night game, and the Tigers are now facing left-handed Danny Duffy on Thursday. It's also possible the Tigers are just sticking with the hot hand, after backup catcher James McCann went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Wednesday's game. Avila is in no immediate danger of losing his starting job, as this is far from the first time he's suffered through a prolonged slump in a Detroit uniform.

Avila is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Twins. Avila appears to be simply receiving a day game off Wednesday in favor of James McCann behind the plate. He hasn't been that impressive at the plate thus far, going 7-for-41 with just one home run over 17 games to begin the season, but McCann hasn't been any better. He continues to serve as the club's primary catcher, and there's no reason a change should come at this point.

Avila is out of the lineup Sunday against the Indians, MLB.com's Jason Beck reports. Surprisingly, manager Brad Ausmus elected to use the left-handed hitting Avila at catcher Saturday with southpaw T.J. House on the mound, but will rest Avila on Sunday even though the Indians will bring a righty to the hill in Carlos Carrasco. James McCann slots in behind the plate in Avila's stead.

Avila is out of the lineup Monday against the Yankees. Avila will now sit for a third consecutive day as the Tigers face CC Sabathia, their third southpaw opponent in a row. James McCann will once again assume the duties behind the plate, batting eighth.