Gerald Laird hit a double and scored a run in Wednesday's loss to the Mariners. Laird is filling in at catcher for Alex Avila, who has come down with knee soreness and could be out a few more games. The 32-year-old veteran carries no fantasy value.

Gerald Laird is recovering well from a left hamstring injury that he suffered in an exhibition game Wednesday. The hamstring is evidently more of a concern than the knee now, but it doesn't sound like either ailment will keep him from being available to play. He'll be ready to back up Alex Avila on Saturday.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Thursday that Gerald Laird (knee) is "fine" for Opening Day. Laird sprained his left knee near the end of spring training when he collided with teammate Don Kelly. The 32-year-old catcher will back up Alex Avila this season.

Gerald Laird (knee) thinks he'll be sidelined "only couple of days." "Glad I did not blow it out," Laird said of his left knee following a collision with third baseman Don Kelly Friday. He's been diagnosed with a sprain, and evidently no further tests will be required.

Gerald Laird left Friday's game with an apparent knee injury after colliding with third baseman Don Kelly while trying to field a pop-up. There's no word yet on the severity of the injury, but it doesn't sound good. We'll update his condition when more is known. If Laird has to miss significant time, the Tigers will likely bring Omir Santos back from minor league camp or could pursue outside help like Ivan Rodriguez.

Tigers signed C Gerald Laird to a one-year, $1 million contract. The deal was reported Thursday and has now become official. Laird is headed back to the team he played for from 2009-2010 before signing with the Cardinals last offseason. The 32-year-old batted .232/.302/.358 with one home run, 12 RBI and a .660 OPS over just 108 plate appearances this season. He'll back up Alex Avila.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Tigers have signed Gerald Laird to a one-year contract, pending a physical.

According to Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com, the Tigers are close to signing Gerald Laird. Morosi notes that Kelly Shoppach was a possibility for the Tigers in recent days, but that Laird is now considered their top choice. The 32-year-old batted .232/.302/.358 with one home run, 12 RBI and a .660 OPS over 108 plate appearances this season while throwing out 20 percent (4-for-20) of attempted basestealers. He previously played with the Tigers from 2009-2010 before signing with St. Louis last offseason.

Gerald Laird returned to action on Saturday July 30.

Neither Gerald Laird (finger) nor Tony Cruz (hand) will need stints on the disabled list. Both catchers were injured in Thursday's game, but it sounds like they're just day-to-day. The Cards will likely plan Yadier Molina all nine innings Friday but could have one or both of Laird and Cruz available.