ST. LOUIS -- Tigers outfielder Akil Baddoo considers himself lucky. Well, as lucky as a guy who sustained a concussion can feel.

Baddoo rejoined the team on Tuesday after being reinstated from the 10-day injured list after a scary collision with teammate Derek Hill as the two attempted to chase down a gapper in Baltimore on Aug. 10.

“It could have been a lot worse,” Baddoo said. “I was definitely glad that we were both able to walk off the field, so that was definitely a good sign.”

Baddoo returned to his usual place in the lineup for the series opener in St. Louis, batting leadoff and playing left field. He has no limitations after a rehab stint at Triple-A Toledo.

He said watching the replay of the collision was tough.

“I'm glad we're OK, and now we're back here so we're going to make sure the communication is on point now,” Baddoo said.

Balls to the gap can be the most exciting -- and dangerous -- plays in the game.

Traditionally, they are the center fielder’s initial call. But that gets muddled during a game when outfielders have split seconds to react to a line drive that could determine a game.

“It’s, 'You're going to get the gap on this particular play and I've got the line,'” Baddoo said. “So, just having those communications throughout the game and throughout each pitch with each other so we're on the same page.”

That communication becomes even more important with two outfielders who have the speed, range and aggressiveness that Baddoo and Hill do.

Manager A.J. Hinch does not want his outfielders to change their approach.

“That was a freak play,” Hinch said. “I don't think we can judge everything on one play that we've seen happen one time this season between two players. Obviously, we want to avoid that again, but outside of the collision, the sellout and the buy-in to go out and get that ball is a great sign for two outfielders.”

Baddoo said if the communication is there, he has no worries about another collision.

“I know for now on we're definitely on the same page as far as who's guarding the gaps and what plays we should attack,” Baddoo said. “That's easy fixing.”

Miggy's next milestone
The dust has barely settled on Miguel Cabrera’s milestone 500th career home run on Sunday, but the Tigers' slugger is nearing another historical marker: 3,000 hits.

Cabrera entered Tuesday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals with 2,955 hits. With just 36 games left, he would need to finish the season on a prolonged hot streak to get there this season.

But Hinch plans on giving him that opportunity.

“I'd expect him to play most of the home games this next stretch and then we go into six straight National League games where I can see him playing at least half of those in the field, maybe four out of six, and continue to pay attention to recovery after night games, especially when he plays first base,” Hinch said.

Cabrera manned first base on Tuesday night but will not be in the starting lineup Wednesday with a day game following the night game. He will, however, be available to pinch hit.

“We'll see how the schedule plays out,” Hinch said. “Obviously I want him to get as close to 3,000, or get 3,000, if he can and the closer he is at the end of the season will obviously help me make decisions on whether or not I’ll challenge him with some of these day games after night games and things like that.”