The Detroit Tigers will retain Brad Ausmus as manager for the 2016 season.

Al Avila informed the media of the decision Saturday afternoon before the club's game against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Avila held a closed-door meeting to tell the team the decision before batting practice on Saturday.

Ausmus said he was both "excited and relieved" to learn of the news.

"I'm happy to be back for sure," Ausmus said. "It's been a disappointing season like Al said, but the core group that is here afford the opportunity for a quick turnaround."

Earlier this month, reports surfaced that Ausmus would be fired after the season, though Avila refuted the notion that a decision had already been made and instead said that the evaluation process was ongoing.