Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila has been cleared to return for the opening game of the Tigers' series against the Minnesota Twins, which will take place on Friday. Avila has missed four consecutive games while dealing with the effects of a mild concussion that he sustained earlier in the week.
Avila underwent concussion tests on Tuesday and Thursday, according to MLive's James Schmehl, and the results of the latter were much better than that of the former, said the Detroit backstop:
"Everything was just better across the board. I feel better mentally. I feel more normal. Everything is good."
Avila collided with Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder as the two were attempting to field a pop-up in Sunday's game against the Cleveland Indians. Fielder stayed in the game, but Avila exited after the play, which took place in the sixth inning.
Avila is hitting .247/.355/.388 in 402 plate appearances in 2012.
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