Feb 28, 2014; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) points and smiles while on deck to bat against the New York Yankees at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
He's baaack.
The Detroit Tigers are expected to activated Miguel Cabrera off the disabled list before Friday's series opener against the Astros in Houston.
Cabrera, who has been on the DL since July 3 with a strained calf, participated in base-running drills and took batting practice before Wednesday's game against the Kansas City Royals.
Manager Brad Ausmus said Cabrera will likely play in Detroit's three-game set with the Astros, but might not have a full workload.
"I don't know that Miggy will go out there and play three straight games," Ausmus said via MLB.com. "He might play Friday, take Saturday off, play Sunday. We've even discussed DHing him and using Victor [Martinez] at first. I don't know if we'll do that or not."
It's not yet clear who will be the odd man out on the 25-man roster to make room for Miggy.
From MLB.com:
"Jefry Marte was called up to help fill in, but the way he has hit lately -- he had half of Detroit's eight hits through the first two games of this series against the Royals -- has raised the debate on whether to keep him around after Cabrera returns.
"The Tigers have carried eight relievers to avoid being left short-handed while their rotation struggles to consistently eat innings. With off-days on Thursday and Monday, however, they shouldn't have much trouble keeping relievers well-rested for the coming days, allowing them to go back to seven relievers and carry Marte as an extra bat or potentially mix him in at first and third base."
Detroit is currently 13 1/2 games behind the Royals for first place in the AL Central. They stand 4 1/2 games out of a Wild Card spot.
(h/t MLB.com)
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