Austin Jackson is heading to the DL with a pulled right hamstring. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)

The Detroit Tigers have placed outfielder Austin Jackson on the 15-day disabled list with a pulled right hamstring, the team said on Monday.

The Tigers will recall outfielder Avisail Garcia from the Tigers minor-league affiliate Toledo to take Jackson’s place on the roster. Jackson sat out of Sunday’s loss to the Cleveland Indians and his stint on the disabled list will be retroactive to May 12th.

Jackson has a .272 average with two home runs and 11 RBI to go along with a Major League-leading 33 runs scored in 34 games so far this season with the Tigers. The Tigers rank second in the league in runs scored and first in RBI as a team.

The son of Detroit Tigers outfielder Torii Hunter is seeking up to $40 million in damages after filing a lawsuit Tuesday against those who accused him of sexual assault last year, reports USA Today.

The lawsuit claims Darius McClinton-Hunter’s future was damaged by false claims of sexual assault. McClinton-Hunter is the only plaintiff in the lawsuit, and there are eight defendants, including three minors and their parents.

McClinton-Hunter’s attorney Larry Friedman, also left open the possibility of legal action against the Prosper (Texas) Police Department, which, Friedman claims, “investigated a crime that didn’t exist for over a year after the accuser recanted her complaint.”

Two girls accused McClinton-Hunter and three other boys from Prosper (Texas) High School of having forcible sex, but the accuser who made the allegations against McClinton-Hunter recanted her statement less than 48 hours later. Earlier this year, a grand jury declined to indict McClinton-Hunter.

McClinton-Hunter, a 17-year old high school senior, was being recruited to play football by schools such as SMU, Texas Tech, Utah, West Virginia, Arkansas, LSU and Oregon, but the lawsuit states that any scholarship offers were retracted as a result of the allegations.

Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders won the “Madden NFL 25″ cover vote for the popular video game, beating out Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson in the final round, EA Sports announced Wednesday night.

Sanders won by getting 58 percent of the more than 700,000 votes cast on the final matchup. Over 40 million votes were cast throughout the entire competition, according to ESPN.com. The game will be in stores August 27.

Sanders beat recently retired Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, as well as fellow Hall of Famers Joe Montana and Jerry Rice for the cover. Peterson is coming off a 2012 season where he ran for 2,097 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award.

LEVINE: Key players missing in Madden cover vote

Sanders rushed for 15,269 yards and 99 touchdowns in 10 seasons with the Detroit Lions before retiring after the 1998 season. He is third on the all-time rushing list. Lions receiver Calvin Johnson was on the cover last year.

Congratulations to @BarrySanders for winning the #Madden25Vote! Check out runfree25.com for more. #RunFree http://t.co/wa1rvdMRPZ—
EA SPORTS Madden NFL (@EAMaddenNFL) April 25, 2013

The Tigers will have Jose Valverde closing games once again. (Brad Mangin/MLB/Getty Images)

When reliever Jose Valverde comes back to the Detroit Tigers tomorrow he will be the team’s closer, manager Jim Leyland said Tuesday.

The team purchased the contract of Valverde from High-A Lakeland on Tuesday and will ultimately throw him in the fire.  Valverde had been in extended spring training since the team signed him to a minor league deal on April 4.

Valverde went 3-4 with a 3.78 ERA and saved 35 out of 40 games for the Tigers last season.  Valverde struck out three in a Monday appearance in Lakeland.  He threw three shutout innings in Lakeland, giving up a walk, a walk, then a hit in the three appearances.

“He’s a very popular guy, he’s a very warm guy, he’s a very great teammate, one of the best I’ve ever been around,” Leyland said to the Detroit Free Press. “I just hope that this works out. This would be great for the Tigers, it would be great for Jose Valverde. But I’m not going to put the cart before the horse. Let’s just wait and see what happens and see how many days he can go in a row. He never turned down the ball as long as I had him here. He was a true soldier. He was. I think the world of him and I’ll just be glad to see him.”

The Tigers signed reliever Jose Valverde to a minor league deal. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Patrick Reusse and later confirmed by the Tigers via Twitter. Valverde is a client of the Boras Corporation.

Valverde, 35, served as the Tigers’ closer from 2010 to 2012. He posted a 3.78 ERA with 48 strikeouts and 27 walks in 69 innings last season.

Jose Valverde has signed a minor-league contract w/ the Tigers.—
Patrick Reusse (@1500ESPN_Reusse) April 04, 2013

OFFICIAL: The #Tigers have signed Jose Valverde to a minor league contract. He will report to Lakeland.—
Detroit Tigers (@tigers) April 04, 2013

The news came as somewhat of a surprise, as the team did not attempt to re-sign him after he struggled during the 2012 postseason. The right hander appeared in four games and gave up nine runs, all earned, in less than three innings.

Surprising that the Tigers have signed Jose Valverde, after veering away from him all winter. But circumstances change.—
Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) April 04, 2013

The Detroit Tigers and pitcher Justin Verlander agreed Friday on a five-year contract extension through the 2019 season with an option for 2020, the team announced.

ESPN.com’s Buster Olney reports the Tigers could pay Verlander $202 million under terms of his new deal including $180 million over next seven seasons, plus vesting option of $22 million.

The deal would make him the highest-paid pitcher in the game, besting Seattle Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez‘s seven-year, $175 million deal he signed last month.

Verlander hinted at the new deal with a previous tweet, then followed up with his love for Detroit and a promise to bring another World Series to to the city following the announcement.

The 30-year-old Verlander went 17-8 with a 2.64 ERA last season, finishing second in the Cy Young voting. In 2011, he went 24-5 with a 2.40 ERA and 250 strikeouts when he won both the Cy Young and the American League’s Most Valuable Player awards.

Today is going to be a great day. Big news coming!—
Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) March 29, 2013

I love this city & the fans – couldn't be more excited to spend my career here! We're going to bring a World Series to Detroit!!!—
Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) March 29, 2013

[SI's Complete Team-By-Team MLB Season Preview]

Right-handed pitcher Rick Porcello will be the Detroit Tigers’ fifth starter this season, reports Tigers beat writer Chris Lott. He won the spot over left-hander Drew Smyly who will pitch out of the bullpen.

This spring, Porcello pitched 24 innings and had a 3.00 ERA. There had been rumors about a trade, but it appears that he’ll remain with the Tigers for now.

Porcello, 20, was drafted by Tigers in the first round (27th pick) of the 2007 amateur draft. He has spent all four years of his career with Detroit and posted a 10-12 record, 4.59 ERA and 1.531 WHIP last season.

Smyly, 22, made his MLB debut with the Tigers last year and went 4-3 with a 3.99 ERA and 1.268 WHIP.

Rick Porcello will start. Drew Smyly to pitch out of the bullpen. #Tigers—
Chris Iott (@Chris_Iott) March 26, 2013

TIgers pitcher Justin Verlander won’t have contract talks during the season. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The Detroit Tigers don’t have long if they want to sign pitcher Justin Verlander to a long-term deal.

Verlander said he will not negotiate with the team during the season and management seems to agree with that demand. Verlander will make $20 million in each of the next two seasons as part of a five-year, $80 million contract extension signed before the 2010 season. Seattle Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez is the game’s highest paid pitcher, agreeing to a $175 million deal over seven years last month.

“Once this last start comes around, I want to concentrate on the start of the season,” Verlander said to CBSSports.com. ”I do like it here in Detroit. (But) I’m my own individual,” Verlander said. “I’m not Felix. I’m not anybody else. It’ll be whatever I feel comfortable with.”

Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski, whose team will be one of the favorites to win the American League this season, said there was nothing going on as far as negotiations with Verlander.

“First of all, Justin is still with us two more years,”Dombrowski said. “And as I’ve said, we want Justin to remain a Tiger for a long time. I don’t think anything productive comes from talking about a contract during the season. We try to keep distractions out. It’s been rare when we’ve done it, and it’s usually more about free agents.”

After winning the American League’s Most Valuable Player and Cy Young award in 2011, Verlander, 30, went 17-9 with a 2.64 ERA and 239 strikeouts last season.

Detroit Tigers minor leaguer Cesar Carrillo was suspended 100 games on Friday for his connection to Biogenesis, according to multiple reports.

Sources told ESPN’s T.J. Quinn that Carrillo was served with two separate suspensions from MLB. The first 50-game suspension for appearing in the Biogenesis documents and another 50-game suspension for lying to MLB about knowing Biogenesis clinic owner, Tony Bosch.

Carrillo is not protected by the player’s union because of his status as a minor leaguer and according to Quinn, MLB decided to come down hard on the right-handed pitcher. Carrillo, a University of Miami alum, was drafted in 2005 by the San Diego Padres with the 18th overall pick. Carrillo is the first player connected with the Biogenesis clinic to receive discipline from MLB.

#Tigers RHP Cesar Carrilllo suspended 100 games for violating minor-league drug program. Carrillo named in Biogenesis documents.—
Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 15, 2013

Carrillo, a minor leaguer, not protected by union, so MLB came down hard. Put strong pressure on him to cooperate, but he didn't.—
T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) March 15, 2013

Sources tell @OTLonESPN Carrillo hit w two offenses: 50 games for being on Biogenesis documents, 50 for lying to MLB about knowing Bosch.—
T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) March 15, 2013

68-year-old Tigers manager Jim Leyland says he isn’t retiring anytime soon. (Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland is entering his eighth season as the team’s skipper and at 68 years of age he doesn’t plan on this season being his last, even if the Tigers go on and win the World Series.

“I’m not retiring,” Leyland said to the Detroit News. “Whether we win or we don’t win. Now, they (owner Mike Ilitch and general manager Dave Dombrowski) might have a different thought, but it won’t be mine. I feel good, I like what I do, I have no intention of retiring.”

Leyland, who will start his 22nd season as a major league manager and has guided the Tigers to two World Series appearances, said he doesn’t care what anyone thinks because he has accomplished a lot in his career.

“You know what, if I went out tomorrow, I wouldn’t care how any of you guys felt, I would feel like I went out on top,” Leyland said. “I was a backup Double A catcher who hit (bleeping) .222. I’ve managed in the big leagues 22 years, with a world title, division titles, American League championships. Now, what the (heck)?”

The agent for outfielder Delmon Young says that his hate crime charge and subsequent community service “changed his life.” (Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Barring further incident, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Delmon Young’s April 2012 hate crime charge will be expunged from his record at his next hearing on May 13, according to FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal.

Young’s agent, Joel Wolfe, told Rosenthal that the 27-year-old has fulfilled both of the obligations he agreed to — 10 days of community service in New York and one day at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles — as part of his guilty plea last year.

Young was charged with a hate crime last April after he shouted an anti-Semitic slur while intoxicated outside a New York hotel, according to the New York Police Department.

He pleaded guilty to aggravated harassment and performed his community service “as soon as he was medically cleared to stop using crutches” following microfracture surgery on his ankle.

Young’s community service, Wolfe said, consisted of cleaning parks in Manhattan — sweeping leaves, picking up trash, etc. At the Museum of Tolerance, Young spent time with both the director and a Holocaust survivor.

“The entire experience changed his life,” Wolfe said.

Young signed a one-year, $750,000 contract with the Phillies in January and is expected to join the team as its everyday right fielder at some point between mid-April and May 1.

The Rangers are reportedly interested in a trade for the Tigers’ Rick Porcello. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The Texas Rangers have asked the Detroit Tigers about a potential trade for starting pitcher Rick Porcello, according to a report from ESPN New York’s Adam Rubin.

The Rangers are looking for a fifth starter to round out their rotation, and they have been unimpressed with their own candidates during spring training. On Sunday, 24-year-old right-hander Justin Grimm struggled, and 21-year-old Martin Perez fractured a bone in his forearm that will sideline him for four weeks.

Porcello’s name has been involved in trade rumors since the Tigers re-signed Anibal Sanchez in the offseason.

A highly touted prospect, Porcello has failed to live up to the hype that surrounded him upon his ascension to the majors in 2009. He has a career record of 48-42 with a 4.55 ERA, including a 10-12 record and 4.59 ERA last season.

But Porcello also induced the sixth-most ground balls in the majors last season (51.4 percent), leading to a wide assumption that his numbers would look much better if he had a more reliable defense behind him.

Justin Verlander wants to be the first pitcher to command a $200 million contract. (Matthew Stockman, Getty Images)

Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander wants to be the first pitcher to make $200 million, according to a Yahoo! Sports report. Speaking to the site, Verlander made it clear that he considers himself the best pitcher in the major leagues and he expects to be compensated as such. Asked about the possibility of such a large contract, Verlander responded as such:

“I don’t play this game to make the most money. But I do feel like it would be nice to be compensated for what I feel like I’ve been: one of the best, if not the best, the last few years. In my career, I feel like I’ve been one of the top. But the last two years, I’ve kind of separated myself, me and a handful of other guys.

“It’s not a thing where I’m like, ‘Hey, I want to be the highest-paid player,’ where that’s the chief goal. It innately comes with my competitiveness. That’s just me. That’s not why I play the game. I’m good at the game because of that side of me, because I’m competitive at everything I do.”

Verlander indicated that his preference would be to stay with the Tigers with such a hefty contract, and the player is expected to start negotiations with the team over a contract extension this summer. Verlander is due to hit free agency after the 2014 season. His current contract is worth $80 million over five years.

Tigers pitcher Max Scherzer agreed to a one-year deal worth $6.7 million. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The Detroit Tigers and pitcher Max Scherzer agreed to a one-year deal on Monday, avoiding arbitration, the team announced. 

The deal is worth $6.725 million. Scherzer requested about $7.4 million and the team offered $6.05 before the two sides settled.

Scherzer led all major league starting pitchers by striking out 11.1 batters per nine innings last season and finished with a 16-7 record, with a 3.74 ERA and and 1.27 WHIP.

Scherzer has one year of eligibility left before he can hit the first agent market.

The 28-year-old has one more year of arbitration eligibility before reaching free agency.

Rick Porcello allowed the most hits (226) among American League pitchers last season. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Three teams have contacted the Tigers to inquire about pitcher Rick Porcello, according to major-league sources in a report by Jon Morosi of Fox Sports.

The Mariners and Orioles are believed to be the most interested teams, with the Padres also kicking the tires on the right-hander.

It’s widely believed that Porcello could improve on last year’s numbers — 10-12,  4.59 ERA — if he pitched on a team fielding a better infield defense behind him. Just five qualifying American League pitchers induced more ground balls than Porcello (51.4 percent) last year, despite the Tigers’ lack of infielders with better than average range. Porcello coaxed 314 ground balls — 1.73 per inning and 10.15 per start — in 182 innings pitched last season. The Tigers still managed to record a putout, double play or fielder’s choice on 72.6 percent of those ground balls with Porcello on the mound. He also allowed the most hits (226) among AL pitchers last season.

Interested teams are also aware that Porcello, who will turn 24 next week, doesn’t come up for free agency until after the 2015 season and has improved on his strikeout-to-walk and home-runs allowed ratio in each year of his career.

Detroit’s re-signing of Anibal Sanchez raised speculation that the Tigers were willing to listen to offers for Porcello. The Tigers are believed to be interested in a right-handed outfield bat and late-inning relief pitcher in talks for Porcello.

UPDATE: Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com is reporting that the Tigers and Anibal Sanchez have agreed on a a five-year, $80-million contract.

The Cubs are no longer bidding on free-agent right-hander Anibal Sanchez, according to a report by Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.

Sanchez may re-sign with the Tigers, for an estimated $75 million over five years, but Heyman left open the chance that a third team is talking to the pitcher.

On Thursday, Sanchez reportedly had agreed to become a Cub, but later reports had him taking the Cubs’ deal back to the Tigers to match or increase.

Sanchez, 28, had a 3.86 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 195 1/2 inning for the Marlins and Tigers last season.

#cubs haved "moved on" in anibal derby. No word of deal w/ tigers yet tho. Could still be another team trying.—
Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 14, 2012

UPDATE: Bob Nightengale of USA Today is now reporting Anibal Sanchez has agreed to a five-year contract with the Cubs, citing an official with direct knowledge of the negotiations told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced.

In the aftermath of the Angels signing Josh Hamilton and the Red Sox signing Ryan Dempster, conflicting reports emerged on the destination of Sanchez.

The Cubs have signed Sanchez to a five-year deal according to a report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today via Twitter.

An earlier tweet from Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal said the Cubs’ deal could be worth $75 million.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com quickly contradicted those tweets, reporting Sanchez’s agent was still talking to several teams, including the Tigers.

Sanchez, 28, was 9-13 with a 3.86 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 167 strikeouts in 195 2/3 innings last season for the Marlins and Tigers. A late-season surge and strong postseason elevated Sanchez’s value in the free agent market. In his last eight regular-season starts, he produced a 2.15 ERA and 0.98 WHIP. In three postseason starts, Sanchez produced a 1.77 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 18 strikeouts in 20 1/3 innings.

And the #Cubs turn out to be the second mystery team of the day, reaching agreement on five-year deal with Anibal Sanchez—
Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 13, 2012

Sources: #Cubs in serious discussions with Anibal Sanchez. Deal could be 5 years/$75 million. #Tigers still a threat.—
Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 13, 2012

anibal's agent Gene Mato said he's still talking to other teams. #tigers have been involved all winter, like cubs—
Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 13, 2012

#tigers are very much in anibal mix, sources say. game not over yet.—
Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 13, 2012

Anibal Sanchez ranks among the top free-agent starting pitchers on the market, and his agent is marketing him as such, seeking $90 million over six ears according to a report by Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.

According to Heyman, the Tigers offered Sanchez four years at $48 million — an offer his agent said “would insult” the right-hander.

#tigers a few weeks ago offered anibal sanchez $48M, 4 yrs. Agent told them that offer would insult anibal. Seeks 90M/6—
Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 03, 2012

A source denied the accuracy of the four-year, $48 million offer and said the Tigers are still talking to Sanchez’s agent, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com.

#Tigers still talking with agent for Anibal Sanchez. Source says 4-yr, $48 million offer not accurate.—
Jason Beck (@beckjason) December 03, 2012

Sanchez, 28, finished 9-13 with a 3.86 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 167 strikeouts in 195 2/3 innings last season for the Marlins and Tigers. His strong finish to the regular season and three postseason starts — 1.77 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 18 strikeouts in 20 1/3 innings — are fresh on the minds of teams shopping for a starting pitcher.

Miguel Cabrera was named 2012 American League Most Valuable Player. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The Baseball Writers Association of America named Miguel Cabrera the 2012 American League Most Valuable Player.

Cabrera became the first player to win the Triple Crown since Carl Yastrzemski of the Boston Red Sox won it in 1967, leading the AL in all three major categories by hitting .330 with 44 home runs and 139 RBI. Cabrera also led the A.L. in OPS at .999 and total bases with 377.

Free agent outfielder Torii Hunter has signed a two-year contract with the Detroit Tigers, reports FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal:

Torii to #Tigers. Two-year agreement, pending physical.—
Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 14, 2012

The deal is worth $26 million, according to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick:

Hunter will get $26M over two years, source says. #tigerrs—
Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 14, 2012

Hunter was expected to make a quick decision on where to sign, with the Dodgers, Yankees, Rangers, Red Sox, White Sox, Phillies and Mariners also reportedly interested. Rosenthal added that Detroit’s proximity to Notre Dame, where Hunter’s son has committed to play football beginning next year, was a factor in his decision, as the city is just a 3 1/2-hour drive from South Bend, Ind.

The 37-year-old Hunter spent the last five seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. He hit a career-high .313 in 2012 and posted 16 home runs and 92 RBI.

The move to the Tigers, the reigning American League champions, would slot the four-time All-Star in right field next to young outfielders Austin Jackson and Avisail Garcia, with Quintin Berry and Brennan Boesch also in the mix. Hunter is widely considered a strong veteran presence in the clubhouse.

Torii Hunter reportedly wants to sign a contract within the next two weeks. (Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Free agent outfielder Torii Hunter has indicated he would like to sign a contract within the next two weeks, ESPN’s Mark Saxon reported Monday. And the race for Hunter could come down to three teams: the Los Angeles Dodgers, Detroit Tigers or New York Yankees.

Saxon reported that the Tigers would be the best fit for Hunter:

The most aggressive pursuer thus far has been the Detroit Tigers, the team most likely to offer Hunter a two-year deal, a shot at his first World Series and an everyday job.

On Sunday, Saxon reported that the Dodgers and Hunter had been involved in contract talks and that the Dodgers could also potentially give Hunter a two-year contract. But the Dodgers already have a jam-packed outfield if they do not trade Andre Ethier.

The 37-year-old Hunter, a nine-time Gold Glove recipient, had a rebound season last year, batting .313 with an .816 OPS. Hunter has reportedly also been in discussions with the Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners and Philadelphia Phillies.

Free agent Anibal Sanchez is looking for a contract nearing six years and $90 million. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Free-agent starter Anibal Sanchez is seeking a contract in the neighborhood of six years and $90 million, Fox Sports’ Jon Paul Morosi reported Thursday.

The average yearly salary of $15 million is on par with what C.J. Wilson received as the league’s top free agent starter last offseason, when he signed a five-year, $75 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.

Zack Greinke is widely viewed as the top free-agent pitcher this offseason, followed by the interchangeably ranked Sanchez and Kyle Lohse.

Splitting time between the Miami Marlins and Detroit Tigers this season, Sanchez went 9-13 with a 3.86 ERA. He pitched well in the postseason, going 1-2 with a 1.77 ERA.

Morosi reported that at least four teams have interest:

In addition to the Tigers, the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers are known to have interest in Sanchez, sources say. It’s not clear if any will meet the $90 million price tag, but Sanchez could sign for more than initially expected because of his performance in the American League, the volume of interest and overall industry health.

The Dodgers are among MLB teams mentioned to be in the market for free-agent starting pitchers. ESPN’s Jayson Stark reports via Twitter that the Dodgers may take a run at not only Zack Greinke and Hiroki Kuroda, but also Anibal Sanchez.

Even w/ 6 veteran starters under contract, #Dodgers want to add another. Besides Greinke & Kuroda, hearing Anibal Sanchez also on their list—
Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) November 06, 2012

Sanchez and Greinke bring added value by not burdening suitors with a qualifying offer that will cost a draft pick upon signing.

The Tigers are expected to try to keep Sanchez in their rotation, and the Yankees and Red Sox could make a run at the righthander.

The Dodgers want to add to a rotation anchored by 2012 Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley, and could go the trade route with any of their others starters such as Josh Beckett, Chris Capuano, Aaron Harang and Ted Lilly.

The Tigers announced on Tuesday morning that manager Jim Leyland has signed a one-year contract extension for 2013, according to the Detroit Free Press.

“Detroit is a tremendous baseball town, and I couldn’t dream of a better place to manage,” Leyland said in a released statement. “The support of Mr. Ilitch and Dave is second to none and gives this club an opportunity to win every year. Tigers fans and the people of Michigan have supported us so well during my time here, I can’t even begin to express how much that means to me.”

Leyland, 67, worked this season on a one-year contract and didn’t say whether he had planned on returning after the Tigers’ president and GM Dave Dombrowski said he was welcome back a few weeks ago.

Some indications were made that there would be slight adjustments to the coaching staff, but no details were confirmed:

Dombrowski refers vaguely to talk of shifting responsibilities with Leyland's coaching staff but won't get into specifics.—
John Niyo (@JohnNiyo) October 30, 2012

Leyland confirms they may "rearrange the furniture a little bit" with coaching staff, but again, no specifics.—
John Niyo (@JohnNiyo) October 30, 2012

Leyland, who also took Detroit to the World Series in 2006, could become the first Tigers manager in more than a century to win three American League pennants. He has been named manager of the year three times–twice with the Pirates (1990, 1992) and once with the Tigers (2006).

Alex Avila will not start in tonight’s pivotal Game 4 of the World Series. (Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)

Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila will not start behind home plate in tonight’s do-or-die Game for of the World Series, Tigers Manager Jim Leyland told reporters.

The catcher has been struggling with a sore right arm since being dinged by a foul tip in the San Francisco Giants’ 8-3 victory in the first game of the series. Gerald Laird will fill in for Avila in the lineup, but neither has had much success against the Giants so far in the World Series. Avila is 1 for 7 in the three games, while Laird has gone 0 for 3.

The Giants will win the world Series in a sweep if they top the Tigers tonight.

Derek Jeter is “likely” to have surgery on a broken left ankle injury suffered in Game 1 of the ALCS, according to a report. (Alex Trautwig/Getty Images)

Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is “likely” to have surgery on the broken left ankle he suffered in Game 1 of the ALCS, ESPN.com’s Wallace Matthews reported Sunday night.

Jeter fractured his left ankle while diving for a ground ball up the middle in the 12th inning of the Yankees’ 6-4 loss to the Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of the ALCS.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Sunday that Jeter had a CT scan and MRI, which both confirmed the break. He was spotted walking with crutches with his ankle in a splint. Jeter will travel to Charlotte, N.C., this week to see Dr. Robert Anderson, a foot and ankle specialist. Girardi said he is not sure if Jeter will travel with the Yankees to Detroit.

“When we spoke to the doctor originally, he said it’s probably a three-month ordeal, but you have to have more tests,” Girardi said prior to Game 2, according to ESPN. “Similar to anyone who breaks an ankle, you are going to have an MRI to see if there is ligament damage, if they need to do more than just cast it.’”

The loss of their captain and shortstop was unprecedented for the Yankees, as Jeter had played in 158 consecutive postseason games dating back to his rookie season in 1996.

MLB commissioner Bud Selig said MLB replay is on track to be expanded in 2013. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

As controversial calls continue to engulf the MLB playoffs, commissioner Bud Selig told The Los Angeles Times that the league will expand instant replay next season to include calls determining whether a ball is fair or foul.

From the Times’ Q&A:

Q: You have said you want to expand instant replay to include reviews of fair or foul balls and trapped balls. Will that expanded replay be in place for next season?

Selig: “I think we’ll have it for sure. They’re working on cameras in all the ballparks. We need the right cameras. Should we have them by next year? We’d better.”

It comes a little more than a week after the St. Louis Cardinals were aided by a controversial infield-fly rule call in their one-game wild-card playoff win over the Atlanta Braves. And it comes after Yankees manager Joe Girardi was ejected on Sunday for arguing a missed call by second-base umpire Jeff Nelson that led to two Detroit Tigers runs in their 3-0 win.

The Times asked Selig, in light of the call in the Cardinals-Braves game, if he would consider reducing the postseason umpiring crew. In the postseason, crews are expanded from four to six, with two additional umpires on the foul lines in left and right field. He said to not expect any change on that.

“I think, overall, having umpires on the lines is OK,” Selig said. “I appreciated Atlanta. They’re a classy organization. What they said is, ‘Look, our defense beat us, not the umpiring crew,’ which is true.”

Jose Valverde will not close today’s ALCS Game 2 (Elsa, Getty Images)

Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland didn’t like what he saw in the ninth inning of yesterday’s extra-innings win over the Yankees. So today, he did something about it.

USA Today reports that Leyland will not rely on Jose Valverde as the Tigers’ closer in tonight’s Game 2 of the American League Championship Series. Leyland said he and his coaching staff noticed flaws in Valverde’s mechanics that need to be worked out before the pitcher can return to the mound.

The Tigers were leading the Yankees 4-0 in the ninth inning of last night’s game 1 when Valverde’s meltdown allowed the Yankees to take the game into extra innings, where they eventually lost to a go-ahead double by Delmon Young.

Leyland declined to specify who hi closer would be for tonight’s contest.

Neither the Detroit Tigers nor the Cleveland Indians have fired their manager yet, but if they do, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com writes that “insiders” believe that either club could have interest in hiring former Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona.

Of course, Heyman points out that Francona’s name is likely to be linked to any opening, given that he is the most accomplished skipper out there without a job.

Still, the Tigers could be a fit because they are a contender and would not face a lengthy rebuilding process. Francona coached in Motown for one season under Buddy Bell.

Francona is even more familiar with Cleveland since both he and his father played for the Indians, but Heyman says that the Tribe may not be able to afford a two-time World Series champion.

In a phone interview on Wednesday, Francona would only tell Heyman: “I work for ESPN and love it. As I’ve always said, if the right job came open I’d have to think about it. But I’m really uncomfortable talking about any jobs.”

Detroit Tigers righthander Max Scherzer left Tuesday’s game against the Oakland A’s after just two innings with what the team announced as shoulder fatigue in his throwing arm. The Tigers also said that Scherzer would undergo an MRI.

Matt Snyder of CBSSports.com said that Scherzer’s velocity was “noticeably down” on the last few pitches he threw before taking himself out. He was replaced by Darin Downs, but lefthander Drew Smyly would probably take Scherzer’s spot in the rotation if Scherzer has to be shut down.

Scherzer has emerged as Detroit’s No. 2 starter, behind Justin Verlander, going 16-6 with a 3.78 ERA and an impressive 228 strikeouts in 180 2/3 innings.

UPDATE: That was fast. Scherzer’s MRI results are already in, according to John Lowe of the Detroit Free Press:

Scherzer MRI shows no structural damage. Will rest a few days then be evaluated.—
Freep Tigers (@freeptigers) September 19, 2012

The Detroit Tigers have traded for infielder Omar Infante and starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez of the Miami Marlins, reports FOXSports.com’s Jon Paul Morosi on Twitter.

#Tigers acquire Infante and A Sanchez from Marlins

—
Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 23, 2012

#Tigers giving up Jacob Turner plus in deal for A Sanchez and Infante.

—
Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 23, 2012

Infante, a second baseman who can also play other positions, is hitting .287 this season. He was an All-Star with the Atlanta Braves in 2008.

Sanchez is 5-7 with a 3.94 ERA this year. His best season came as a rookie in 2006 when he went 10-3 with a 2.83 ERA.

The Tigers are reportedly giving up Jacob Turner, a top pitching prospect, in the deal.

Detroit is 1.5 games ahead of the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central and looking for help for the playoff push.

A number of teams are interested in the services of Rays pitcher James Shields heading toward the trade deadline. (Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

As teams are trying to make a push for the playoffs, pitching will be essential especially with the upcoming trade deadline approaching.

The Los Angeles Angels and the Detroit Tigers are reportedly interested in Tampa Bay Rays right-hander James Shields, according to CBSSports.com. The Los Angeles Dodgers may also be in the hunt, reports the Los Angeles Times.

The report says the Rays are looking for pitching prospects or a young catcher in return. Shields has a team option in his contract worth $9 million in 2013 and $12 million in 2014.  He is making $7 million this season.

Shields is 8-6 with a 4.39 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 20 starts this season and has struck out 124 batters in 131 1/3 innings.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are becoming “serious bidders” for outfielder Justin Upton, who the Arizona Diamondbacks have said they would trade for the right price, ESPN’s Jayson Stark reported Sunday on Twitter.

#Pirates emerging as serious bidder for Justin Upton. More on that and other trade buzz on the 12:30 ET edition of Baseball Tonight!

— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) July 15, 2012

The Pirates have been mentioned before as a possible destination for the 24-year-old Upton, who Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers said he would trade for the right price. Upton has also been loosely linked to the Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers.

The Diamondbacks would likely be interested in Pirates’ top pitching prospects Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon, the PIrates’ two first-round picks in the 2011 and 2010 drafts, respectively.

On Saturday, Towers said that he had discussed the trade rumors with Upton. He said he told Upton his policy of listening to offers on him is nothing unusual.

“I said, ‘Hey, this is no different than the way I approached it even before you got to know me in 2010. I listen on everybody,’” Towers said. “We’re in the information gathering business. I said, ‘If something gets close, you’ll be a part of the process. I’m not going to shock you with something. If something is coming down and I think it’s close, there will be a heads up.’ I said, ‘At this point in time, a lot of people are kicking tires. Your name is out there a lot, most of it is untrue.’”

In 82 games this year, Upton is batting .264 with a .735 OPS. He has seven homers and 37 RBI while stealing 10 bases.

Justin Upton sat down with Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers about trade rumors involving Upton. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers told reporters Saturday that he had discussed trade rumors with star young right fielder Justin Upton, MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert reported.

Towers said the pair had a “good conversation,” and that he thinks Upton “gets it.” Towers has said he would be open to dealing the 24-year-old Upton for the right price. Towers also said that he told Upton his policy of listening to offers on him is no change from of his players. From Gilbert’s report:

“I said, ‘Hey, this is no different than the way I approached it even before you got to know me in 2010. I listen on everybody,’” Towers said. “We’re in the information gathering business. I said, ‘If something gets close, you’ll be a part of the process. I’m not going to shock you with something. If something is coming down and I think it’s close, there will be a heads up.’ I said, ‘At this point in time, a lot of people are kicking tires. Your name is out there a lot, most of it is untrue.’”

Upton has been loosely linked to the Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates as potential trade partners for the Diamondbacks.

Upton is batting .268 with seven homers and 37 RBI in 81 games this season. He has a .744 OPS and 10 stolen bases.

Detroit Tigers closer Jose Valverde injured his right (throwing) wrist while warming up in the bullpen in the bottom of the eighth inning of Tuesday’s win over the St. Louis Cardinals. According to Jason Beck of MLB.com, after feeling a problem Valverde tried to throw one more pitch, but then shut himself down.

“I threw like 10 or 15 pitches,” Valverde said after the game. “I’m almost ready for the game, and the last pitch I throw, I noticed my wrist started getting sore, tight. I had to stop, tell them what’s going on, because I don’t want to be out for too long if it’s something serious.”

Initial tests performed by team athletic trainers suggested that it wasn’t a serious injury, but Valverde was still expected to have an MRI overnight to rule out further problems.

After leading the majors with 49 saves last season, Valverde has 13 thus far in 2012.