Miguel Cabrera Out Of Detroit Tigers Lineup Again On Sunday

Jul 30, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman

(24) makes a throw to first but not in time to get Washington Nationals designated hitter

(not pictured) out in the fourth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

From the sound of things, Miguel Cabrera was looking like his normal self during batting practice, causing many writers to believe that he would play in Sunday’s series finale with the Chicago White Sox.

But when the lineup was posted shortly thereafter, Miguel Cabrera was again missing from the list, with Jose Iglesias penciled in his place.

Cabrera has accumulated only eight plate appearances since July 22, but if he had been placed on the disabled list right away he would have been eligible to return on Wednesday. My guess is that he’s healthy enough to play right now — or at least could play if the Tigers needed him to — but with the team on a roll, Jim Leyland may be holding him back to try to get him fully healthy in preparation for the stretch run.

Not that you could ever afford to just give away a game, but a game against an inferior opponent after winning 11 of 12 might be an OK time to rest an ailing player, even if he could go if needed.

Torii Hunter is also out for what appears to be a simple scheduled day off. Don Kelly is in his place in right field and will bat third(!).

Here’s the full lineup for Sunday, as Tweeted by Jason Beck.