Miguel Cabrera gets medical clearance to play
Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera, left, is checked by teammates Brandon Inge and Don Kelly after getting hit in the face with a hard grounder from Philadelphia's Hunter Pence during an exhibition baseball game in Clearwater, Fla. (March 19, 2012) Credit: AP
KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Detroit Tigers star Miguel Cabrera has been given medical clearance to play again.
The third baseman has been out since being hit in the face by a bad-hop grounder on March 19. The ball broke a bone below Cabrera's right eye and caused a gash that needed eight stitches.
The Tigers say Cabrera was examined Tuesday and cleared to resume his spring training activity. Cabrera is expected to return to the lineup within a couple of days, although manager Jim Leyland hasn't said exactly when he'll play.
Detroit opens the season on April 5 at home against Boston.
Cabrera led the majors last year with a .344 batting average. He also hit 30 home runs and had 105 RBIs for the AL Central champions.
