Injured Cabrera closing in on return to Tigers


Miguel Cabrera is close to returning. (David Richard-USA TODAY Sports)
Miguel Cabrera is close to returning. (David Richard-USA TODAY Sports)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera appears to be on the cusp of coming off the disabled list.

Cabrera took batting practice Tuesday off Detroit left-hander Tom Gorzelanny and ran the bases.

If all goes well, the two-time American League MVP could be activated this weekend for a series in Houston.

“I think it’s a possibility,” Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. “I wouldn’t say it’s 100 percent. We’ve got to see how he feels tomorrow and see if he’s recovers. If he’s fine tomorrow, I might give him a little more running tomorrow. Then we’ll have to make a decision if everything is looking good at that point.”

Cabrera went on the disabled list July 4 for the first time in his career with a left calf strain. He was hitting .350 with a .578 slugging percentage and a .456 on-base percentage in 77 games before the injury.

The Tigers were a game above .500 when Cabrera went on the DL, but have lost 20 of 34 sans him.

“I want to play,” Cabrera said.

He said if it was his decision, he would have played Tuesday.

Cabrera said he does not favor going on a minor league rehab assignment before being activated.