KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Alex Avila, who has homered twice in his career against Kansas City Royals starter Jason Vargas, will start at catcher Monday night for the Detroit Tigers.
Avila normally sits against left-handed pitchers.
Mikie Mahtook will play center field against Vargas.
Tigers lineup
1. Ian Kinsler, 2B
2. Nicholas Castellanos, 3B
3. Justin Upton, LF
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
5. J.D. Martinez, RF
6. Victor Martinez, DH
7. Mikie Mahtook, CF
8. Alex Avila, C
9. Jose Iglesias, SS
Bench: C James McCann, OF Alex Presley, IF/OF Andrew Romine, IF Dixon Machado.