Tigers playoff roster will include 11 pitchers, 14 position players

The Detroit Tigers will use 14 position players and 11 pitchers on their roster for the American League Division Series, as manager Jim Leyland confirmed to Chris Iott of MLive on Tuesday. It's the same roster set-up that Leyland used during the playoffs last year.

It's not often that you see an American League team trotting out 14 position players given the additional roster flexibility afforded by the designated hitter, but Leyland clearly believes that he can get by with a smaller bullpen. Detroit does have some quality veteran relievers, including closer Jose Valverde, Octavio Dotel and Joaquin Benoit.

Last year, the Tigers prevailed in the ALDS over the New York Yankees in five games before losing 4-2 to the Texas Rangers in the American League Championship Series. At the moment, it's still unclear who the Tigers will be facing, but games are already scheduled for this weekend at Comerica Park.