Moya returns from sore knee to play RF vs. Marlins

Detroit — The Tigers' lineup was posted about an hour later than normal for Wednesday's series finale against the Miami Marlins.

The delay was because of Steven Moya, who was getting one last checkout from the training staff.

It was determined around 11 a.m. that Moya's right knee was good to go, as he told The News a day earlier it would be.

So Moya was back in the lineup, batting seventh and playing right field for Detroit.

Moya got three starts off, though Tuesday's was mostly due to the Marlins starting a left-handed pitcher in Adam Conley.

Sales sagging, Tigers offer all July games for $56 -- total

He hurt his knee in the series opener against the Cleveland Indians on Friday night, though manager Brad Ausmus wasn't sure if it was on one play in particular. Moya said it wasn't on one play.

The Tigers couldn't afford a long-term absence to Moya, with J.D. Martinez out with an elbow injury.

Moya, 24, has batted .322/.365/.610 with three homers and six RBIs in 16 games for Detroit.

Moya's typical replacement, Mike Aviles, has three extra-base hits in 39 games, compared to Moya's nine in 16 games.

TIGERS LINEUP:

1. Ian Kinsler, 2B

2. Cameron Maybin, CF

3. Miguel Cabrera, 1B

4. Victor Martinez, DH

5. Nick Castellanos, 3B

6. Justin Upton, LF

7. Steven Moya, RF

8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C

9. Jose Iglesias, SS

Daniel Norris, SP

tpaul@detroitnews.com

twitter.com/tonypaul1984