First baseman Miguel Cabrera was not in the Tigers lineup Monday, the first time all season the slugger has not started. Cabrera will be replaced at first base by Hernan Perez.
Manager Brad Ausmus said that Cabrera's ankle has been cranky the last few days, making Monday a good time to give the slugger an off-day following the team's flight to Oakland, the Detroit Free Press reports. He is available as a pinch-hitter against the A's.
"Just give him a day mentally," said Ausmus when asked if he considered tabbing Cabrera as the designated hitter, per MLive.com. "His ankle has been a little cranky the last few days, so it's a good time. Especially after the flight."
In addition, rookie shortstop Dixon Machado will make the first start of his MLB career and hit ninth for the Tigers. Machado was called up from Triple-A on Sunday as Jose Iglesias battles a sore knee.