The Detroit Tigers (54-44) are in first place in the American League Central division and appear poised for a playoff berth, thanks largely to the bat of 2012 MVP Miguel Cabrera. The Tigers may be without their slugger for a few days, though, after he left Monday night’s game with a hip flexor strain.
Cabrera is day-to-day and manager Jim Leyland spoke as if his Tigers would have to toughen up this week and pitch in to replace his production. "You know what? If he's got to miss a few games, he's got to miss a few games, and we find out how tough we are." When asked about the injury, Cabrera simply said, “It felt weird.”
Cabrera’s been red hot all season long, blowing past his Triple Crown numbers from a season ago. After Monday night, Cabrera was hitting .358 with 31 home runs and 96 RBI just a handful of games after the All Star break.
The Tigers seem to be expecting an absence for a few games; outfielder Torii Hunter spoke about Cabrera’s toughness, and what kind of pain is required for the MVP to leave a game.
"If Miggy comes out of a game he's definitely in pain, but Miggy's one of those guys, he's tough. He won't be out long," Hunter said. "I definitely think if you need to rest him a little bit, a couple days, I guess we have to do that. We need him for the long run. If it takes a couple days for him to get where he needs to be, I think we should do it."
Cabrera was replaced Monday night by Don Kelly, who figures to fill in for the time being while Cabrera heals up. In the meantime, first baseman Prince Fielder will have to pick up the slack. So far this year Fielder is hitting .270 with 16 home runs and 71 RBI.
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