Tigers manager Jim Leyland announced that Alex Avila (knee) will play in Game 6 of the ALCS against the Red Sox on Saturday. Avila was considered day-to-day after leaving Thursday's game with a left knee patellar tendon strain that he suffered during a collision with David Ross at home plate. Avila is far and away the best defensive option that the Tigers have behind the dish, and it should be a boost to their chances of staving off elimination to have him back in the lineup.