"It wasn't entirely clear if manager Kirk Gibson believes center fielder Chris Young's second-half slump has anything to do with the left-thumb injury that has bothered him since June.

What was perfectly obvious, however, is that Gibson likes that Young and many of his other players are willing to play through pain.

"I love it," Gibson said. "I'm not sure it's always been that way (with this team)."

Gibson cited Willie Bloomquist's example from Sunday afternoon in San Francisco, when he twisted his ankle at shortstop but remained in the game.

"He does not want the trainer to come out there," Gibson said. "He'll do it to where he's not smart sometimes, but I'd rather deal with that than have a guy dive and say my elbow hurts."