The Tigers' starting third baseman for the 2012 season wasn't in the lineup on Thursday night against the Washington Nationals, but Miguel Cabrera will be back in the lineup on Friday when the Tigers take on the Baltimore Orioles, according to Jim Leyland during Thursday night's telecast. Cabrera was out recovering from a broken orbital bone after taking a sharp grounder off the face.
Cabrera was medically cleared to resume physical activity on Tuesday and has been taking batting practice since. Leyland actually insisted that Cabrera was ready to play against the Nationals, but did not want to push it; he will instead return on Friday against the Orioles, resuming his normal duties, including playing third base. Leyland added that he probably will not play the whole nine innings.
The Tigers are expected to trot out their Opening Day lineup on Sunday against the Astros.
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