DETROIT — Miguel Cabrera went from the disabled list to rounding the bases with the 450th home run of his career.
In the star slugger’s first game since being sidelined, the Detroit Tigers weren’t taking any chances with his health.
Cabrera was activated after missing the minimum of 10 days with a strained right groin. On a cold, damp night, he left Detroit’s 5-2 win over the Cleveland Indians for a defensive replacement after seven innings.
“His groin tightened up a little bit, so we played it cautious and got him out of there,” Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. “We expect that he’ll be fine.”
Justin Verlander (2-2) won for the first time since opening day, allowing two runs and four hits while walking four in seven innings. He struck out five, and has given up just two earned runs in 14 innings over his last two starts.
Francisco Rodriguez pitched the ninth, and allowed a pair of baserunners before retiring Francisco Lindor for his seventh save.
Corey Kluber (3-2) gave up five runs and seven hits with a walk in three innings. He struck out four before being removed with discomfort in his lower back.
“It has been bothering me off and on for a few starts now, but this was the first time I couldn’t pitch through it,” he said. “You have to balance trying to keep going against causing more damage.”
Indians manager Terry Francona said the team would wait until Kluber comes to the park today to make any decisions about a roster move.
Trainer’s room
Indians: CF Austin Jackson was placed on the 10-day disabled list after hyperextending the big toe on his left foot in the ninth inning of Monday’s loss. Cleveland replaced him by recalling RHP Shawn Armstrong from Triple-A Columbus.
Tigers: RF J.D. Martinez has plateaued in his recovery from a sprained right foot, but Tigers manager Brad Ausmus didn’t want to call it a setback. “No, I wouldn’t characterize it as that,” he said. “I don’t know. He’s been day-to-day for a few weeks now. He’ll be back when he’s back.”
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