Miguel Cabrera will not be in the Tigers' lineup for another six weeks. Detroit placed the veteran infield on the 15-day disabled list, according to MLB.com's Jason Beck, and Cabrera is expected to miss six weeks as a result of a grade three calf strain.
Cabrera, 32, has thrived at the plate in 2015, batting .350/.456/.578 to complement 15 home runs and 54 RBIs. He has proven to be a durable option, appearing in at least 148 games every season since 2004. This will be Cabrera's first career stint on the disabled list and comes at a time the Tigers are trying to gain ground in American League Central heading into the All-Star break. Cabrera also leads the American League in batting average, OPS, and on-base percentage.
At 40-39, the Tigers are six games out of first place only behind the Royals and Twins. The club is known to be interested in adding starting pitching before the trade deadline but might consider adding a bat in Cabrera's absence.
Detroit Manager Brad Ausmus told MLive's James Schmehl, "you know it's serious" when Miguel Cabrera cannot play because of his history of playing through injuries. Cabrera left Friday's contest against Toronto in the fourth inning with a strained calf. He was heading to second base on a 3-2 pitch to Victor Martinez and after Martinez fouled off the pitch at the plate, Cabrera sought medical attention.
In the corresponding roster move, the Tigers selected the contract of Jefry Marte. Marte has posted a .271/.337/.497 batting line to complement 13 home runs and 55 RBIs with Triple-A Toledo. Marte has primarily played shortstop and third base throughout his career but does have experience at first base. Both Andrew Romine and Alex Avila have played first base this season and could both replace Cabrera in the Tigers' lineup until he returns.