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Tigers hope to have Cabrera for matchup with Indians

Aug 30, 2013 - 2:44 PM (Sports Network) - The Detroit Tigers expect to have Miguel Cabrera in the lineup on Friday when they open a three-game series with the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park.

The reigning Triple Crown winner limped off the field Thursday with discomfort in his abdomen. However, after the Tigers' thrilling 7-6 walk-off win over the Oakland Athletics, Cabrera deemed himself fit and said he'd play Friday.

"I'm OK," Cabrera said. "I'll play (Friday) - don't worry."

Cabrera, of course leads the majors with a .359 average and 130 RBI and his 43 home runs are four behind Baltimore's Chris Davis. He's also 11 for his last 25 with three home runs.

Detroit didn't miss Cabrera on Thursday as it was Torii Hunter who provided the dramatics with a game-winning three-run home run that capped a four-run ninth inning and helped the Tigers avoid a four-game sweep at the hands of the A's.

"Probably should've taken the loss today, but Torii bailed me out," said a laughing Max Scherzer, who gave up six runs in five innings. "It is what it is."

Detroit gained a game on the slumping Indians, who enter this series 6 1/2 games back of the Tigers in the American League Central following a 3-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves.

Lonnie Chisenhall hit a solo homer for the Indians, who were swept for the second time since the All-Star break and fell four games behind Oakland for the final AL Wild Card spot.

Ubaldo Jimenez (9-9) gave up three runs on seven hits and struck out 10 without issuing a walk. It was his fourth loss in five starts.

Getting the call for the Indians on Friday will be righty Zach McAllister, who has won his last three starts. McAllister beat the Minnesota Twins on Saturday, holding them to a pair of runs and four hits in 7 2/3 innings to run his record to 7-7, while lowering his ERA to 3.51.

"I was able to make some adjustments during the time off with my delivery," McAllister said. "I feel a little bit more comfortable."

McAllister is 0-1 in five starts against the Tigers with a 3.81 ERA in five starts.

Detroit, meanwhile, will hand the ball to righty Rick Porcello, who is 10-7 with a 4.49 ERA. Porcello has been brilliant of late, going 6-1 with a 3.38 over his last nine starts. He's also allowed three runs or less in all but one of those outings.

Cleveland knows how good Porcello has been, as he is 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA in three starts against it this season.

Detroit has dominated the Indians this season, taking 13 of the 16 overall matchups.