Cabrera homers in return to lift Tigers
DETROIT -- Miguel Cabrera hit a two-run homer in his return from the disabled list, and the Detroit Tigers won their third straight, downing the Cleveland Indians 5-2 on Tuesday night at Comerica Park.
Cabrera, who hit his sixth career homer off Cleveland ace Corey Kluber, missed the previous nine games with a right groin strain. He was removed prior to the eighth inning after going 1-for-4.
Kluber (3-2) lasted three innings, surrendering five runs on seven hits. He left the game with lower back discomfort.
Tigers starter Justin Verlander (2-2) tossed seven innings, allowing two runs on four hits while walking four and striking out five. The last time he faced the Indians on April 15, Verlander gave up nine runs on 11 hits in four innings and suspected he was tipping his pitches.
Alex Avila had two hits and drove in a run Tuesday, and Andrew Romine added a run-scoring double for Detroit (14-12). Francisco Rodriguez collected his seventh save with a scoreless ninth, retiring Francisco Lindor on a popup with two on to end the game.
Lonnie Chisenhall had an RBI triple for the Indians.
The Indians (14-12) loaded the bases against Verlander in the first inning but only came away with one run on a wild pitch. He struck out Jason Kipnis to avoid further damage.
Victor Martinez tied it in the bottom of the frame with a two-out single. Another two-out hit the following inning -- Romine's double -- put Detroit on top 2-1.
Cabrera drilled his fourth homer of the season in the third after a Nick Castellanos single, giving Detroit a 4-1 lead. Avila's two-out RBI single later in the inning made it 5-1.
NOTES: Indians CF Austin Jackson was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a hyperextended left big toe. Jackson jammed the toe running the bases during the ninth inning Monday. RHP Shawn Armstrong was recalled from Triple-A Columbus. Armstrong pitched 2 2/3 innings of relief and did not give up a hit while striking out three. ... Detroit CF JaCoby Jones went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts as he continued his injury rehab with Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday. Jones (left lip laceration) will play at least two more games with the Mud Hens before the club decides whether to activate him from the 10-day disabled list. ... Tigers 1B John Hicks was optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday to make room for Miguel Cabrera, who was activated from the DL. Hicks batted .423 with a homer and seven RBI in seven games. ... Cleveland DH Edwin Encarnacion saw his 18-game streak of reaching safely end with an 0-for-4 night.