Tom Gage of the Detroit News reports that the next big step for Miguel Cabrera will be playing in his first spring training game for the Tigers.
Tigers manager Jim Leyalnd believes this could come Sunday when the team takes on the New York Yankees from Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida.
“Monday is more of a possibility,” Leyland said, “but I’m not assuring him of Monday, either. He’s getting a lot of excellent work back in Lakeland with Tom Brookens.” Cabrera’s swing is close to being game ready, if not fully ready for him to play.
“It might be a little slow,” said Leyland.
“But if truth be known, I probably could have played him today (Saturday) if I didn’t want to be second-guessed until the cows come home.
“I’m worried about the legs. He’s worked his butt off in the offseason in agility and strength, but that doesn’t always correlate with baseball condition.
“If you want to say I’m protecting myself, you’re right, I am. I’m not going to put him out there after one day and do something crazy.”
Cabrera is looking to return to the Tigers lineup after being arrested on February 16th at around 11PM ET for DUI and resisting arrest. Cabrera reported to Tigers spring training Thursday where he addressed the media for the first time since his arrest and announced that he would cooperate with MLB’s recommendation that he seek out patient treatment and counseling for his alcohol problems.
Source: Detroit News
