According to Lynn Henning, Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski confirmed this week that they are not yet ready to name Andy Dirks as their starting left fielder for the upcoming season. For all intents and purposes the club is still seeking an upgrade to the position through free agency or trade, and remains one of the most likely landing destinations for Shin-Soo Choo. If the Tigers strike out on the open market, Dirks would stand to be the primary beneficiary and would see most of the action in left against right-handed pitching.

Andy Dirks will start in left field for Game 3 of the ALCS against the Red Sox on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Jhonny Peralta is making another start at shortstop. The full Tigers' lineup: Austin Jackson CF, Torii Hunter RF, Miguel Cabrera 3B, Prince Fielder 1B, Victor Martinez C, Peralta SS, Alex Avila C, Omar Infante 2B, Dirks LF. Justin Verlander will be on the hill for Detroit.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Monday that Andy Dirks will likely play left field in ALCS Game 3. It would be Dirks' first start since ALDS Game 1 vs. the A's. Jhonny Peralta will presumably play shortstop.

Andy Dirks had a memorable night at the dish in Friday's rout of the Royals, going 5-for-5 with a double, four runs scored and an RBI. Dirks also walked on the evening, reaching base in all six of his plate appearances. The 27-year-old outfielder has been somewhat of a disappointment this season, hitting .263/.331/.376 with eight homers and 32 RBI. He'll need to continue to swing the bat well to hold off the recently promoted Nick Castellanos.

Andy Dirks went 4-for-4 with two doubles and two runs scored as the Tigers' leadoff man on Thursday. Dirks spent quite a bit of time in the leadoff spot early on when Austin Jackson was on the DL, but he's mostly hit sixth and seventh lately, something that figures to continue. He could really use a hot streak to force his way back into the lineup against all right-handers.

Andy Dirks had a nice day at the dish during Sunday's victory against the Royals, going 2-for-4 with a homer and a steal. Dirks hit safely in all three games over the weekend against the Royals. Platooning with Matt Tuiasosopo in left field until the Tigers promote top prospect Nick Castellanos from Triple-A or make a trade, Dirks is batting a meager .248/.308/.357 through 81 games.

Andy Dirks had a nice day at the dish in Friday's 7-0 thrashing of the Indians, going 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and three runs scored. Dirks also walked on the evening. It was just his second multi-hit effort in his last 20 games. On the season, he's hitting a somewhat disappointing .246/.310/.355 with six homers and 23 RBI. You have to wonder how long the Tigers will accept that type of production out of their primary left fielder before they consider promoting top prospect Nick Castellanos from Triple-A.

Andy Dirks doubled in a run and walked three times against the Blue Jays on Thursday. One of the walks forced in a run, too. Dirks could use more games like this to guarantee that he keeps his spot in the second half. He entered the game with a .241/.296/.341 line in 249 at-bats, though he has helped his cause with good defense in left field.

Andy Dirks was hitless in four at-bats in his return to the lineup Saturday. Dirks hadn't played since Tuesday due to knee soreness. He should be fine physically, but his batting line is down to .245/.299/.348 for the season.

Andy Dirks (knee) is not expected to return to the starting lineup until Saturday. Dirks is dealing with some knee soreness, so Tigers manager Jim Leyland is trying to keep him off his feet. He was out of the lineup Wednesday and will sit out again Friday following Thursday's scheduled off-day. "He's going to get three days off, and that's a good thing," said Leyland. "I think his knees are a little sore. He will have today off, obviously tomorrow off -- we're all off -- and then the first pitcher in Minnesota's a left-hander, so that should freshen him up good. That works out good."