DETROIT -- Due to Thursday's doubleheader, Michael Brantley will be the designated hitter for only the seventh time this season as the Indians begin a pivotal three-game series against the Tigers.
Brantley, who comes into the game sixth in the AL in batting average at .316, has done very well as the DH. He is 10 for 22 this season with a home run and six RBI. He was the DH in Thursday's first game against the Twins and went 2 for 3 with two RBI.
"He's played just about every game and his bat is so important that we want to try and keep him feeling pretty good," manager Terry Francona said. "Plus we wanted Mikey (Aviles) to play. Once you decided who is going to play it is putting them in the best position to help out."
Brantley though has not had success against David Price. Going into tonight's game he is 2 for 13 against the Tigers' lefty.
AVILES BACK TO NORMAL: Aviles will start in left for the 17th time this season and has gone 5 for 20 against Price. He missed nine days due to a concussion but was cleared to play before Thursday's doubleheader. Aviles ended up going 1 for 4 on the day.
After being taken out of the Sept. 1 game when he hit his head on the turf, Aviles cleared the preliminary concussion tests but started experiencing symptoms the next day.
"The first three days I slept. There's no tape job, pill or recovery drink that can help. It's frustrating because it takes time," Aviles said. "When I'm out there and feeling like I'm out of it and feeling quiet it is not normal to me."
ROTATION ADJUSTMENTS: Due to Wednesday's rainout, Zach McAllister will start Monday's game at Houston instead of T.J. House.
After starting the season by winning three of his first four starts and having an ERA of 2.28, McAllister has gone winless in his last 10 starts (0-6) and has an ERA of 7.89.
Since being called back up on Aug. 31, he has made two appearances in relief and has given up four earned runs in 5 1/3 innings.
House, who has worked at least seven innings and allowed one or fewer runs and no walks in his last three starts, was moved to the second game of Thursday's doubleheader due to the rainout.
Said Francona of House: "We will keep him on his normal schedule throwing sides and after getting together figure out what makes sense going forward."
The earliest House would start is Wednesday since Francona wants to keep Corey Kluber on his normal day of Tuesday.
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