Last Updated on February 21, 2015 5:13 pm by admin
LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) – While preparing to receive a pitch at spring training, Detroit catcher Alex Avila lowers one knee to the ground, a change in his stance that barely stands out to the untrained eye.
The Tigers hope that adjustment will help Avila avoid harmful foul tips by keeping his head lower.
The 28-year-old Avila has caught nearly 5,000 innings in his career, helping the Tigers to AL Central championships in each of the last four seasons, but that run of success has come with a cost. Avila has faced concussion problems over the last few years, and although he’s been cleared to keep playing, he’s also taking steps to protect himself.