Detroit — Ron Gardenhire was asked how much better a manager he was when he can write the name Miguel Cabrera on the lineup card.
“Most people would say it does help the situation out,” he said, with a wry grin. “We missed him.”
Cabrera, who was out since May 3, was activated off the disabled list Friday after missing 26 games with a hamstring strain.
“He’s been a big part of this lineup for a long time,” Gardenhire said. “I just hope we can keep him on the field.”
That was the mission and that’s why the Tigers did their level best to make sure Cabrera passed every possible physical test — on his back, hamstring, glut and knees — before putting him back on the field.