3 potential solutions for Tigers at 1st base after Cabrera injury

The Detroit Tigers need help. And soon.

With two-time AL MVP Miguel Cabrera headed to the disabled list for the first time in his 13-year MLB career - expected to miss six weeks with a Grade 3 calf strain - the Tigers are lacking options to replace him at first base.

"I'm not going to be amazing over there, by any means. I'm going to be adequate," Alex Avila told reporters ahead of his start at first Saturday. He and shortstop Andrew Romine have combined for one career start at first, but are the only options on the Tigers' active roster to play there.

Detroit did purchase the contract of infielder Jeffry Marte from Triple A-Toledo on Saturday, but he's only made ten appearances at first base in eight minor-league seasons.

Clearly lacking a suitable replacement within the organization, here are three potential trade targets for the Tigers:

Adam Lind, 1B, Milwaukee Brewers

Lind has been solid in his first season with the Brewers, and with an $8-million team option in his contract at the end of this year, a number of clubs will be likely to look for his services as a rental with the second half of the season approaching.

After an injury-riddled campaign with the Toronto Blue Jays last year, Lind is second among regulars on the Brewers in batting average (.291), home runs (12), and RBIs (47) in 2015.

With a friendly contract, Lind could be a cost-effective and productive addition to the Tigers' lineup as they chase an AL wild-card bid.

Ryan Howard, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies

Now nine years removed from his NL MVP season, Howard's batting average may not be what it once was, but he still has considerable power that can help any lineup.

The career Phillie has 13 home runs and 37 RBIs this year, but is only hitting .221 and is tied for 13th in the majors in strikeouts with 82. Those are tough numbers to swallow when the 35-year-old is making $25 million this year and next.

It would be a heavy price for the Tigers to pay, but considering they already have the highest team batting average in baseball (with Cabrera), a little extra power may not hurt them down the stretch.

Mike Napoli, 1B, Boston Red Sox

Playing in a contract year, many expected a big year out of Napoli as he approached free agency, but that hasn't been the case for the Red Sox first baseman.

While he hasn't lost his power - blasting 10 homers in the first half of the year - Napoli is posting career lows in batting average (.195), on-base percentage (.298), and slugging percentage (.363) through his first 75 games.

There's no need for the Tigers to commit to Napoli long-term with his free agency looming, and adding a guy with a World Series ring may be just the experience Detroit needs through the summer.

2015 Stats