2012 MLB Playoffs: Former Diamondback Jose Valverde could still close in ALCS Game 3

Detroit Tigers closer Jose Valverde didn't pitch in the team's 3-0 victory against the New York Yankees in Game 2 of the ALCS, but manager Jim Leyland said he's still an option in Tuesday's Game 3.

The former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher has struggled in his last two games, giving up a two-run double to the Oakland Athletics in Game 4 of the ALDS, and then allowing the Yankees to tie the Tigers with two home runs in the ninth inning in Game 1 of the ALCS.

Said Leyland to MLive.com about his closer situation:

"I'm going to wait and see how things play out. It could happen. I hope we've got to worry about it. But I'll wait and see how it plays out, what the lineup looks like, who they've got coming up. Things like that."

In Sunday's Game 2 win, lefty Phil Coke earned the save rather than Valverde. He went two innings and gave up one hit while striking out three batters.

Valverde played for Arizona from 2003-07. He spent two years with the Houston Astros before landing in Detroit.