Ausmus regrets offensive quip, apologizes

DETROIT -- Tigers manager Brad Ausmus apologized for an ill-advised comment he made in frustration, and quickly regretted, following his team's 2-1 loss to the Royals on Wednesday.

A day after another Royals victory led to Ausmus saying the team was tired of losing, Ausmus was asked how he's dealing on and off field during a stretch of 20 losses in 29 games.

"You try not in any way, to change your demeanor," Ausmus said, "because any change in the way I act and the way the coaches act, the way we got our business [gets noticed]."

When asked how he handled losing when he got home, the Tigers' manager responded with a poor choice of words. By the time he had finished his answer, Ausmus realized what he had said and tried for a better explanation.

Midway through his answer to the next question, Ausmus circled back on his own to apologize.

Here's the full context of the questioning leading up to the remark:

Q: Is it difficult to maintain that even keel with what you're going through right now?

A: I mean, it's not fun, but like I said, once I get to the field I'm always in a good mood, especially if I'm driving in and it's sunny out. Once I'm here, I'm ready to go. I feel like I'm the exact same person that you would've seen on Day 1 of Spring Training.

Q: How are you when you get home?

A: I beat my wife.

The monotone answer drew nervous laughter, and Ausmus immediately realized it wasn't funny.

A: I'm just kidding, no. No, luckily my wife and kids are fantastic, because I do get a little mopey at home. But my wife and kids are good. They've seen me be in a bad mood after a loss.

Ausmus answered a question about J.D. Martinez's playing time and Torii Hunter's health status, then went back.

A: And I shouldn't say -- listen, I didn't want to make light of battered women. I didn't mean to make light of that, so I apologize if that offended anyone. Anyways, move past that. Next question, sorry …