ALCS Game 2: Tiger Outfielder Delmon Young Is in

The Detroit Free Press and ESPN.com confirmed earlier today that Delmon Young, Detroit's left fielder, will start and play against the Texas Rangers in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) this afternoon.

Young, who hit .319 with three home runs against the Yankees, will bat in his usual spot, third in the Tigers batting order.  He was initially deactivated for the ALCS due to an oblique injury suffered at the end of the ALDS.

Apparently, the Tiger outfielder has been examined by doctors and declared fit to return to the team and play later this afternoon.  Young's activation is a welcome response to the sad news that fellow outfielder Magglio Ordonez is out for the rest of postseason play.

Ordonez re-injured his troublesome right ankle in Game 1 of the ALCS.  Ryan Raburn, who played left field in Game 1, will move to right field for Game 2.

If Young is healthy enough, his big bat should pay dividends against the Rangers.  He hit .387 this season against Texas, while playing for the Minnesota Twins and the Tigers.

When the Tigers pitching order for the ALCS was originally announced, it was assumed right hander Max Scherzer would pitch in Game 4 in Detroit because he is more effective pitching home games.  His ERA in Comerica Park is 3.80 and it's 5.23 on the road.

Scherzer's recent success against the Yankees in the ALDS and Rick Porcello's appearance in the rain-delayed Game 1 in Arlington made the switch in the rotation necessary.  Tiger manager Jim Leyland received assurance from Scherzer earlier today that the Tiger right hander is ready to pitch this afternoon with the Tigers down 1-0 in the series.

We'll see if Detroit's latest juggling act leads to a win in Game 2 of the series.