Cabrera may need surgery

Superstar Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers is likely to require surgery on a torn groin, says Tigers' president and general manager Dave Dombrowki. Dombrowski told reporters that the injury "was not going to heal with rest", and that the team will follow up with a specialist to make a final decision on whether or not the 30-year-old third baseman will need surgery.

Dombrowski noted that the injury occurred in a late September game against the Chicago White Sox, but was not specific on the date. It can be inferred that the tear came on September 21st, when Cabrera attempted to stretch a single into a double, and was subsequently thrown out.

Despite a timely home run in game 5 of the ALDS against Oakland, Cabrera's postseason performance was dismal leading up to Detroit's elimination at the hands of the Boston Red Sox on Saturday night. In the ALDS, he hit just .250/.286/.400, and he didn't fair much better in the ALCS as he was limited to an un-Cabrera-like .273/.333/.409 line.

Cabrera dealt with an abdominal strain for much of the summer, and the injury likely played a role in his declined performance down the stretch. Cabrera, who is expected to win his second consecutive MVP award next month, appeared to be sapped of his power during the final month of the season. During the month of September, Cabrera posted a solid .395 OBP, but he slugged just .333, hitting 1 home run all month. On the season, Cabrera was nothing short of outstanding, leading the AL in batting average, OBP, and slugging percentage with a .348/.442/.636 slash line. The Triple Crown winner in 2012, Cabrera has now won 3 consecutive batting titles, while also posting 4 consecutive campaigns with a wins above replacement of at least 6.5.

Dombrowski did offer some assurance that the 8-time All-Star would be ready for Spring Training, so Tigers fans need not to worry about starting the 2014 season without their heralded slugger.