Miggy out of lineup for series finale vs. Boston
Slugger hopes to play Friday, but his status for opener in KC uncertain
BOSTON -- If there was any hope that Miguel Cabrera might no longer be a day to day situation for the Tigers with his abdominal and groin strain, Wednesday's lineup card for manager Jim Leyland probably dashed it.
Cabrera wasn't in the starting lineup for the series finale against the Red Sox. The Major League batting and RBI leader said after Wednesday's 20-4 loss at Fenway Park that he hopes a complete day of rest with Thursday's off-day will allow him to return on Friday, though he isn't certain about that.
"He's sore today. That's all I can tell you," Leyland said before Wednesday's game. "I can't tell you when he's going to play."
Leyland said afterwards he had no new information on Cabrera's status.
Cabrera made a diving stop Tuesday night and seemed to be moving around well. He went 0-for-4 at the plate, playing an entire game without reaching base for just the sixth time all year. On Wednesday, however, he felt soreness. It was not an aggravation of the injury. Still, he did not take batting practice Wednesday afternoon.
With Cabrera out, Leyland moved Prince Fielder and Victor Martinez up a spot in the lineup, just as he did on Monday. With Fielder batting third behind Torii Hunter, the Tigers had back-to-back hitters who had hit Ryan Dempster well during their careers. Fielder hit a two-run homer in the third inning as part of a 2-for-3 performance.
Wednesday's loss dropped Detroit to 10-3 in games Cabrera hasn't started. His absence could have a bigger impact against the Royals, whom he has hit for a .330 average, 21 homers and 74 RBIs in 104 career games.
This year, Cabrera is hitting .304 (14-for-46) with four home runs and 11 RBIs against the Royals, but just 4-for-20 with two homers and three RBIs in six games at Kauffman Stadium.