Tigers' Cabrera still bothered by groin problem
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Though Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera has proven both durable and productive this season, the two-time MVP is still bothered by the groin injury that plagued him last September, according to USA Today's Jorge L. Ortiz.
Cabrera underwent surgery in October after battling discomfort through the 2013 postseason, but the 31-year-old said Monday he has not fully recovered from the injury.
"There are times when I feel good, but there are always muscles that are tightening, muscles that are not functioning properly,'' Cabrera said in Spanish. "It's part of the process. The same thing is happening to Justin Verlander, but the difference is he pitches every five days, so you don't see it as frequently."
Cabrera's numbers are indeed impressive this season - he's hitting .306/.364/.534 through 90 games - but the nine-time All-Star has endured a considerable decline in isolated power and his 15.2 percent strikeout rate represents his worst mark since 2009.
"I think it has affected me quite a bit, like last year, when in the last month I wasn't using my bottom half, my feet and the waist area,'' Cabrera said. "I hope I can slowly regain that. The good thing is I haven't gotten too anxious. I just try to find ways to help my team win.''