DETROIT -- Jhonny Peralta is trying to make the most of a second chance with the Detroit Tigers that was far from guaranteed. Tigers Jerseys China . The Detroit portion of Peraltas career looked like it might be over when he was suspended 50 games on Aug. 5 following Major League Baseballs investigation of the Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic. Despite the long layoff, hes been able to contribute in the post-season, saving the Tigers with a big home run in the division series and adding needed power to the lineup. Peraltas return has raised the usual questions about doping in baseball and whether his punishment was harsh enough. The Tigers are happy to have him back, whether hes at shortstop or in the outfield. "I think I have a new life, a new opportunity," Peralta said. "Its important, how Detroit gave me the opportunity to come back here. I appreciate everything." Peralta was in the middle of a fine season when his suspension began. The Tigers had anticipated his absence, acquiring smooth-fielding shortstop Jose Iglesias from Boston shortly before the suspension. Eligible for free agency after the World Series, Peralta returned for a three-game series at the Miami Marlins as Detroit closed the regular season. That didnt leave him much time to prepare for any playoff games. He had gone to the Dominican Republic to try to stay in shape during the suspension, then spent some time in the instructional league. As they closed in on their third straight AL Central title, the Tigers said theyd give Peralta a chance to earn a spot on the post-season roster. Because Iglesias had impressed as the new shortstop, Detroit said Peralta would have to learn to play left field. "It was a cram course," said manager Jim Leyland, who has used Peralta at shortstop and left field during these playoffs. "I dont know how this is happening. Im not sure hes totally comfortable in left field yet. Id be lying if I said I was totally comfortable with him in left field yet." But with Miguel Cabrera hobbled and Prince Fielder struggling, the Tigers have needed offence in this post-season, and Peralta has provided it. In Game 4 of the AL division series against Oakland, Detroit trailed 3-0 and was facing elimination when Peralta connected for a three-run homer in the fifth inning -- perhaps the biggest swing of the playoffs for the Tigers so far. Detroit went on to win that series in five games. Now the Tigers trail the AL championship series 3-2, with Game 6 at Boston set for Saturday. Peraltas RBI single brought home the only run of Game 1 against the Red Sox. Hes hitting .367 this post-season, with four doubles to go along with that big home run. "Instructional league I think helped," Peralta said. "They really have good pitching over there. They throw hard, and they throw everywhere." Peralta has been the target of derisive chants from opposing fans -- par for the course for a high-profile player implicated in a drug investigation. The San Francisco Giants did not bring back Melky Cabrera last year after his suspension. They ended up winning the World Series without him. The Tigers chose a different course, not feeling any obligation to add more punitive measures once Peralta had served his ban. "I think the majority of the club felt that he handled it as well as he possibly could. He made a mistake, he admitted he made a mistake, he apologized, he worked hard to get back," general manager Dave Dombrowski said. "He paid his due, he paid his penalty, and who am I or who are we to really enforce more?" Now Peralta is doing his best to make up for lost time. "I try to be positive and try to help our team," he said. "And try to win games every day." Norm Cash Jersey .com) - Blake Griffin led five Clippers in double figures with 24 points and the LA Clippers got back on track with a 101-97 win over the Utah Jazz. Brandon Dixon Jersey .com) - Rajon Rondo turned in a game-high 21 points to go with eight rebounds and seven assists as Dallas claimed a 102-98 win over the Lakers on Friday. https://www.cheaptigers.com/619z-doug-brocail-jersey-tigers.html . -- A.J. Burnett was happy to escape from New York.TORONTO -- American tennis legend Pete Sampras offered some words of praise for Milos Raonic just hours after the Canadian star helped make Rogers Cup history. Raonic and fellow Canadian Vasek Pospisil both advanced to the semifinals at the mens event in Montreal, marking the first time in the Open Era that two Canadians will meet in the semis. Sampras, in Toronto for a Legends Cup exhibition event with fellow former world No. 1s Jim Courier and John McEnroe, says the No. 13-ranked Raonic is due for a breakthrough but it wont come easily. "Hes up against (Novak) Djokovic and (Andy) Murray and Roger (Federer) and four great players, and it takes time," said Sampras. "I think hes a threat already. I think hes got a huge game, monster serve, willing to come in and do some things and get to the net." Sampras is second all-time in Slams won (14) and weeks spent as the worlds No. 1-ranked player (286). He won two Australian Opens, seven Wimbledon titles, and five U.S. Opens. He exited pro tennis by winning his very last match in the 2002 U.S. Open final against Andre Agassi. Samprass reflected back on his own career and the time it took him to find the kind of success that has so far eluded Raonic in the majors. Detroit Tigers Store. "I didnt figure this game out until I was probably 22 or 23, so when everything was settled in I was physically and mentally great. I knew where I stood in the game," he said. "It just takes time. I know Milos does the right things; he works hard; he wants to do well. "He just has to be patient. It isnt going to happen overnight." The 41-year-old Sampras is often asked about the state of the American game. When the new ATP ranking are released, there will be no American men in the top-20 for the first time. "People ask me all the time whats wrong with American tennis. I dont know why," he said. "Its looking a little slim. Were in decent shape, but obviously we want our guys to be ranked No. 1 like we were in the 90s. "The world has gotten a little better. Maybe the U.S has gotten a little bit complacent. I really dont know. I think what happened in the 90s with Andre, me and Jim was rare." ' ' '