Leyland: Pudge, Inge to split catching job

Sufferin’ scriveners!...And go without I-Rod’s .286 OBP!

Manager Jim Leyland didn’t say anything about Pudge Rodriguez for the long term. He didn’t say he has lost his status as the Tigers’ primary catcher.

But addressing at least the short term, Leyland said Monday that beginning now, and for an unannounced length, Rodriguez and Brandon Inge will alternate at catcher.

Each will start every other day, regardless of who is pitching for the opposition, Leyland said.

...“I’m going through a tough time,” Rodriguez said. “I’m healthy. I’m catching good, blocking the ball good and throwing the ball good.

“I’ve been swinging the bat good, and I’ve been making some good swings, and I’ve hit the ball hard and I’ve hit the ball right at people. All I can control is hitting the ball hard.”