Red-hot Davis given rest in favor of Martinez

DETROIT -- If Tigers manager Brad Ausmus had his way, he wouldn't be forced to give the red-hot Rajai Davis a day off Tuesday.

"I'd like to be able to play four outfielders," Ausmus said, jokingly adding that he'd especially prefer that from a defensive perspective.

In Davis' place, J.D. Martinez made his first start since Friday in left field against his former team, the Astros. Davis has hit safely in all but four games this season and is batting .337.

According to Ausmus, the decision had nothing to do with matchups, which makes sense considering Davis is slugging .522 against lefties. Houston southpaw Brad Peacock started Tuesday's game.

"There are going to be times when the guys who get the bulk of the playing time have to rest, not only because they may need it, but because the guys around them -- who are on the bench more -- have to get into the game," Ausmus said.