Miguel Cabrera expected to miss 6 weeks with calf strain
The Detroit Tigers have placed first baseman Miguel Cabrera on the 15-day disabled list with a Grade 3 left calf strain and he's expected to miss six weeks of action, according to manager Brad Ausmus.
"There's some fibers tearing," Ausmus said. "But not to the point where he'll need surgery or anything like that."
Cabrera, who's on the DL for the first time in his 13-year career, luckily does not have damage to his Achilles tendon. Since his first season in 2004, nobody has played in more games (1,809) than Cabrera, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
Miggy suffered the injury in the fourth inning of Friday's contest with the Toronto Blue Jays while running to second base. He pulled up limping and slowly made his way to the clubhouse.
The two-time American League MVP was hitting .350 with 15 home runs and 54 RBIs in 77 games prior to the injury.
Alex Avila will man first base for the first time in his career in Cabrera's stead Saturday, but Ausmus has not yet announced any long-term plans for a replacement. Victor Martinez will not be considered as a short-term option due to his fragile nature.
"I would be concerned about putting Victor at first and losing him for an extended time," Ausmus exclaimed.
The team may need to explore options on the trade market to fill the void at first due to a lack of internal candidates.
Related: 3 potential solutions for Tigers at 1st base after Cabrera injury
Detroit has purchased the contract of infielder Jefry Marte from Triple-A Toledo in a corresponding move.