Source: Tigers in talks to hire Gardenhire

DETROIT » A person with knowledge of the discussions says the Detroit Tigers are in talks to hire Ron Gardenhire as manager.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday because no announcement had been made. Gardenhire was the bench coach this season for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He managed the Minnesota Twins from 2002-14.

The Tigers are replacing Brad Ausmus after four seasons at the helm. Detroit finished tied for the worst record in the majors this year at 64-98 and faces what figures to be a tough rebuilding process.

Gardenhire is plenty familiar to Tigers fans after his long run managing an AL Central rival. The Twins won the division six times in his first nine seasons in charge, and he was voted AL Manager of the Year in 2010.

Brantley has surgery, Indians weigh options

CLEVELAND » The damaged ligaments in Michael Brantley’s right ankle have been stabilized. The All-Star left fielder’s future with the Indians remains unsteady.

Brantley had surgery to repair an ankle injury that bothered him much of this season.

Team president Chris Antonetti said the team expects Brantley to “be ready for the start of the season or very close to the start of the season next year.”

However, in the interim, the Indians have some tough decisions to make on Brantley, who has played in just 101 games over the past two seasons because of injuries.