Tigers' Cabrera: Physically felt like I was in a fight with Mike Tyson last year

Detroit Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera suited up for all but three games last year, but says the physical toll of playing though an ankle injury left his body feeling like it went 12 rounds with a heavyweight boxer.

Cabrera, who underwent offseason surgery to remove bone spurs in his ankle, appeared no worse for wear relative to the rest of the league, leading the AL in doubles and posting the fourth-best on-base percentage among first basemen. His power numbers, however, suffered, resulting in a personal-low 25 homers and the worst ISO of his career.

"Playing with my ankle hurt and hitting 25 home runs, hitting over .300, driving in 109 runs and scoring 100 runs, too, I mean it was a special year for me," he told ESPN. "When I finished last year I felt kind of beat up. I felt like (I was in) a fight with Mike Tyson."

Cabrera admitted Victor Martinez's presence in the lineup was critical as he played through injury.

"He takes a lot of pressure off me," Cabrera said. "He's a smart hitter. He's one of the best hitters that I've ever seen in my life."

Martinez also underwent offseason surgery after tearing his left meniscus, but is confident he'll ready by Opening Day.