While the Detroit Tigers went into full selling mode at the MLB Trade Deadline, they certainly are anxiously awaiting the return of star Miguel Cabrera. The 2x AL Most Valuable Player and 2012 Triple Crown winner, slashed a phenomenal .350/.456/.578 with 15 home runs before he missed over a month of action with a severe left calf strain.
Now Tigers manager Brad Ausmus has delivered news many in Detroit were desperately waiting for, Cabrera will be returning to the Tigers' lineup by the end of their next road trip. As long as he doesn't have any setbacks, Cabrera could return to the team even sooner. Obviously with over a month away from baseball, Cabrera will have to go out on a rehab assignment.
Detroit has told Cabrera that he should be cautious in the road back as he told reporters, "Everybody's talking to me and told me to slow down, because they see I want to push it." It's the obvious, smart move for the Tigers as they sit at 52-55, four games back of the last wildcard spot.
Fantasy Spin:
While Cabrera's return doesn't change the Tigers' playoff chances, it will have a major impact for fantasy owners. Cabrera will slide right back in as the Tigers' top hitter and even with Yoenis Cespedes gone, Ian Kinsler and Rajai Davis will still provide him plenty of RBI opportunities. Upon his return, Cabrera should still put up MVP-like numbers and can be a difference maker for fantasy teams in the playoff hunt.