Miguel Cabrera Travels With Team, Participates In Batting Practice

BOSTON (AP) — Watching games on TV has been so difficult for Miguel Cabrera that the injured 10-time All-Star decided to join the Detroit Tigers on their 10-game road trip.

The first baseman, who has been on the disabled list since July 4 with a left calf strain, took some swings in batting practice Friday at Fenway Park.

"I'm here because I want to be here. I want to play. I've got to be on the field," Cabrera said before Detroit's series opener against Boston. "If I stay home, I think it's going to be longer."

Cabrera, who still leads the majors with a .350 batting average, declined to speculate when he'll return. The team initially indicated he'll be out until mid-August.

The Tigers, the AL Central champions the last four years, began the day with a 47-48 record.

Speaking about the July 3 injury for the first time, Cabrera said he felt like "somebody shot me from behind" as he ran to second base in a win over Toronto.

"I'm feeling good," said Cabrera, who took only light swings in the cage and has yet to be cleared for most baseball activities. "I don't want to say six weeks or four weeks. I want to see how it feels every day. When I'm ready, I'm ready."

"These can take a long time, but hopefully I can be on the field soon."

The Tigers had gone 7-9 without Cabrera before Friday night and were four games out of the final AL wild card berth amid speculation they may be sellers before the July 31 trade deadline.

Cabrera has 15 home runs and 54 RBIs in 77 games.

"We've got to keep our heads up," the two-time AL MVP said.

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