Brad Ausmus will return as Detriot Tigers manager

The Detroit Tigers announced Saturday that Brad Ausmus will return to manage the club in 2016.

There was speculation that Ausmus could be fired as Detroit, will miss the playoffs for the first time in five seasons, but general manager Al Avila informed the 18-year major league veteran catcher that he would be back after Friday's 6-4 victory over Minnesota.

"I am excited and relieved," said the 46-year-old Ausmus, who took over from Jim Leyland after the 2013 season and led the Tigers to a 90-72 mark and a loss in the American League Division Series in 2014.

Avila, who informed the players of his decision Saturday, said this season has been a disappointing one, but conceded that injuries played a big part.