DETROIT (AP) — Tigers manager Jim Leyland says struggling closer Jose Valverde will be ready for the World Series.
Valverde hasn’t pitched since allowing four runs in Game 1 of the AL championship series. The Tigers recovered from his rough outing and went on to sweep the New York Yankees in four games. They will face either St. Louis or San Francisco in the World Series opener Wednesday.
Leyland played the late innings by ear in the ALCS, using Phil Coke to get the save in Games 2 and 3. It’s not clear what Valverde’s role will be in the World Series, but he threw a bit during Detroit’s workout Saturday and sounded confident afterward that he had made the necessary mechanical adjustments.
