Tigers unveil opening day lineup

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus announced his opening day lineup for Monday's game against the Royals. Second baseman Ian Kinsler will hit leadoff and be followed by right fielder Torii Hunter, first baseman Miguel Cabrera, DH Victor Martinez, center fielder Austin Jackson, catcher Alex Avila, third baseman Nick Castellanos, shortstop Alex Gonzalez and left field Rajai Davis.

Jackson has primarily hit leadoff in his career, but after the spring he put together, Ausmus made the decision to hit him in the heart of the order. Jackson hit .429 (24 for 56) with two triples, two home runs, five doubles, 14 RBI and 17 runs in 18 spring games.

"The way Austin Jackson hit this spring, he was the best option to bat fifth," Ausmus said.