Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe says Johnny Damon is still leaning towards staying with the Detroit Tigers, but…

“The one way he could wind up in Boston is if in the next few hours Damon will ask Tiger management for an honest answer on his playing time the rest of the way. If the Tigers decide to go with younger players the rest of the way Damon said he would be inclined to come back to Boston.”

Damon expects to have a “a few conversations” with Tigers’ management and manager Jim Leyland this afternoon.

“I think we’re still in this,” Damon said of the Tigers. “But I’ve got to know whether they’re going to keep playing me or whether they’re going to go with the younger guys. If I’m not going to play as much, the decision is a no-brainer.”

Damon ha been contacted by former teammates David Ortiz and Jason Varitek with the intent to recruit him back to Boston.

“Papi is very excited,” said Damon. “He thinks I could make quite a difference. I love those guys. They know that. But I’m trying to make the best decision for myself and my family.”