Tigers cautious after Avila experiences headache

NEW YORK -- Tigers catcher Alex Avila played in a rehab game on Thursday for Triple-A Toledo, but the night didn't go as Detroit would've hoped.

Avila, who's been on the disabled list since Aug. 11 with delayed concussive symptoms, caught three innings and went 0-for-2 with a walk at the plate. But he had to leave the game after experiencing a headache, Tigers manager Jim Leyland said.

Leyland also said Avila didn't have any symptoms on Friday.

"You just take it slow for a day and then see how it plays out, and we'll get him back into action," Leyland said.

Leyland said Avila could DH on Saturday if he doesn't have any lingering symptoms.

Before going on the DL, Avila was hitting .198 with nine home runs and 36 RBIs this season.

The Tigers want to get Avila back in the lineup, but they also want to make sure he's fine physically and doesn't experience more symptoms.

"We're not going to mess with something like that," Leyland said.