LAKELAND, Fla. -- Though there was little action on Thursday at Joker Marchant Stadium, where pitchers and catchers officially reported for the Detroit Tigers, spring training began with some good news.
Utility player Mike Aviles announced that his five-year-old daughter, Adriana, is cancer-free.
Adriana Aviles was diagnosed with leukemia in May.
"Everything's going well with her. She had a bone marrow transplant in December, she's recovering," Mike Aviles said, beaming. "She'll be out here in a couple weeks when she's allowed to fly. And she's cancer-free and going forward."
According to the 34-year-old Aviles, Adriana was diagnosed at the Cleveland Clinic and then was transferred to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Aviles, an appealing depth signing for the Tigers because of his versatility, said last season was difficult, considering all that was going on with his family. Ultimately, it worked out for the best.
"It was a tough a situation, but it worked out good because I didn't get traded," Aviles said. "I was able to stay there and be around for my family."
Adriana, along with her twin sister Maiya, threw out a ceremonial first pitch at an Indians game in August. The Indians organization, including owner Paul Dolan, general manager Chris Antonetti and several Indians players, shaved their heads in a show of support for Adriana.