http://www.wxyz.com/sports/mccann-on-the-spot-for-tigers-with-avila-injured
"I think he's up to the task," manager Brad Ausmus said. "To me, he's a mentally strong kid."
McCann made his major league debut last September, and he looked like the type of player who could help the Tigers this season. Avila has battled concussion problems in recent years. When healthy he's a dependable defensive catcher with decent power, but he's been ineffective against left-handed pitching, and that was an area where McCann seemed capable of providing a boost.
McCann hit .295 in 109 games for Triple-A Toledo last year. So far this season, the 24-year-old catcher has hit .288 for the Tigers.
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the expectation is that the job is McCann's for now. He's held his own so far, but it's hard to say whether he'll flourish or struggle while playing more regularly.
"Maybe he plays more and gets hot and hits better," Ausmus said. "Maybe he plays more and they start finding his holes, and he's got to make an adjustment."
McCann's performance is significant for the Tigers for a couple reasons. They've remained near the top of the AL Central despite an injury to Justin Verlander, and Avila's knee issue will test their depth some more. Also, while Detroit has been able to use its farm system to trade for established players, the Tigers haven't been known for developing their own position players lately.
"I think he's up to the task," manager Brad Ausmus said. "To me, he's a mentally strong kid."
McCann made his major league debut last September, and he looked like the type of player who could help the Tigers this season. Avila has battled concussion problems in recent years. When healthy he's a dependable defensive catcher with decent power, but he's been ineffective against left-handed pitching, and that was an area where McCann seemed capable of providing a boost.
McCann hit .295 in 109 games for Triple-A Toledo last year. So far this season, the 24-year-old catcher has hit .288 for the Tigers.
..............
the expectation is that the job is McCann's for now. He's held his own so far, but it's hard to say whether he'll flourish or struggle while playing more regularly.
"Maybe he plays more and gets hot and hits better," Ausmus said. "Maybe he plays more and they start finding his holes, and he's got to make an adjustment."
McCann's performance is significant for the Tigers for a couple reasons. They've remained near the top of the AL Central despite an injury to Justin Verlander, and Avila's knee issue will test their depth some more. Also, while Detroit has been able to use its farm system to trade for established players, the Tigers haven't been known for developing their own position players lately.
