Alex Avila will start at first base Friday against the Blue Jays, MLive.com reports.

Avila will start at first base Friday against the Blue Jays, MLive.com reports.

Analysis:

Avila has only appeared in one career game at first base, but the Tigers will give him a shot with the goal of having a few backup options in case Miguel Cabrera is not ready by Opening Day. When asked about Avila's prospects of manning first base, manager Brad Ausmus did not sound overly optimistic. "I hope (the idea) does go out the window, quite frankly," Ausmus said. "Even if Miggy plays or we get cold weather, there's a chance his ankle gets grumpy, so it's just an insurance policy." Avila will bat second in the order Friday as he continues to compete with a number of other players -- Andrew Romine, Hernan Perez and Tyler Collins -- for a backup role at first base.