Tigers GM expects manager Brad Ausmus to return in 2015

Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski told the Detroit Free Press that he expects manager Brad Ausmus to return next season.

Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski told the Detroit Free Press that he expects manager Brad Ausmus to return next season.

Dombrowksi said he expects Ausmus's entire coaching staff to return as well.

Ausmus led the Tigers to a 90-72 regular season in his first year as manager. It was a three-game regression from 2013, but Detroit still won the American League Central and made the postseason for the fourth consecutive year.

In the playoffs, the Tigers were swept 3-0 in the ALDS by the Baltimore Orioles, the first time Detroit failed to win a series in its current postseason appearance streak.

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Ausmus received some criticism this season for the performance of the Tigers' bullpen, particularly the way he handled the late innings and his closer situation. Detroit finished 27th in MLB with a 4.29 bullpen ERA, and Ausmus continued to use veteran Joe Nathan as the team's closer despite his 4.81 ERA and seven blown saves.

The Tigers bullpen continued to struggle in the ALDS. The team's relievers allowed 10 earned runs in 2.2 innings, which included blowing a three-run lead in Game 2 in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Ausmus was hired before last season despite no previous managing experience. After an 18-year playing career in MLB, Ausmus spent three seasons as a special assistant to the baseball operations department for the San Diego Padres. 

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The 45-year-old has two years remaining on his contract.

- Ben Estes