The Detroit Tigers received promising news regarding Miguel Cabrera on Wednesday, as the first baseman has been cleared to begin non-impact baseball activities, including hitting and throwing.
While the Tigers said there's no definitive timetable, they remain optimistic Cabrera could be ready close to Opening Day.
Cabrera underwent surgery to remove a bone spur and correct a stress fracture in his right ankle in October. He'll start running on a specialized treadmill to control weight-bearing, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com.
The 31-year-old posted another All-Star-caliber season in 2014, slashing .313/.371/.524 with 52 doubles, 25 home runs and 109 RBIs in 159 games.
Despite dealing with a sore ankle, Cabrera hardly slowed down. In 26 games in September, he hit .379/.409/.709 with eight home runs and has yet to land on the disabled in his 12-year career.
It's been an eventful and fortunate month for the Tigers, considering the impact potential injuries could have had to begin their season. Victor Martinez avoided a lengthy absence and is expected to be ready for Opening Day following knee surgery, and the Cabrera update must have the organization breathing a sigh of relief.
