Cabrera takes batting practice, could return to Tigers soon

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Miguel Cabrera could be activated from the disabled list this weekend by the Detroit Tigers after taking batting practice and running the

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Miguel Cabrera could be activated from the disabled list this weekend by the Detroit Tigers after taking batting practice and running the bases Tuesday.

Cabrera, a two-time American League MVP, has not played since July 3, when he suffered a strained left calf while running the bases against Toronto. He was placed on the disabled list the next day for the first time in his career.

The 32-year-old was hitting .350 with 15 home runs, 54 RBIs and a .456 on-base percentage in 77 games. The Tigers were 40-39 before Cabrera was injured, but went 14-19 without him.

Cabrera took batting practice for the first time since the injury, hitting off left-hander Tom Gorzelanny.

''I want to play,'' Cabrera said. ''Right now, if it was me, I'd play tonight. It's not my decision now. Let's see how it feels tomorrow and we can say something tomorrow.''

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said it is conceivable Cabrera could be activated for the series in Houston, which begins Friday.

''I think it's a possibility,'' Ausmus said. ''I wouldn't say it's 100 percent. We've got to see how he feels tomorrow and see if he's recovers. If he's fine tomorrow, I might give him a little more running tomorrow. Then we'll have to make a decision if everything is looking good at that point.''

The infielder ran the bases without issue on Tuesday.

''He didn't look like he was favoring anything. He didn't look like he was limping, so I was very encouraged,'' Ausmus said. ''Miggy wants to play. I think he's proven over the last two years the way he wound down the 2013 and 2014 seasons, played through injuries.''

Cabrera said he would prefer not to do a minor league rehab assignment before returning.

''I don't know that he'll necessary need a rehab assignment,'' Ausmus said. ''It's really kind of his call. You can't force a player to take a rehab assignment. When we decide Miggy's fine, we'll talk to him on whether he would want to go play a couple of games with one of our affiliates or not.''