Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski said Saturday that if Cabrera (ankle) isn't ready for Opening Day, "it's going to be very, very close," MLive.com reports.

Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski said Saturday that if Cabrera (ankle) isn't ready for Opening Day, "it's going to be very, very close," MLive.com reports.

Analysis:

Cabrera is slated to visit a doctor on Feb. 15 for a checkup on his progress from October surgery, and while there's a chance he could be cleared for full participation at that time, the expectation is that he'll be limited when full-squad workouts begin on Feb. 24. The 31-year-old just recently shed his protective walking boot. Manager Brad Ausmus acknowledge that Alex Avila, who has played just one game at first base in the majors, could be an option at first if Cabrera is out to start the year.