DETROIT -- Detroit Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera will be activated from the injured list on Sunday, 15 days after he strained his left biceps while taking a swing.
To make room for Cabrera’s return, infielder Zack Short was optioned to the alternate site in Toledo.
Cabrera was hitting just .125 (3-for-24) in seven games before suffering the injury, but the Tigers are desperate for any injection of offense.
They’ve lost eight of their last nine and are averaging just 3.2 runs per game.
Cabrera will split time between first base and designated hitter.
Short, 25, made a nice impression in his Major League debut, getting a hit and drawing two walks in five at-bats. He could be an option later in the year.
The Tigers (7-14) play the Kansas City Royals (12-7) on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Cabrera’s first game back. Tigers right-hander Michael Fulmer (1-1, 3.94 ERA) will face Royals right-hander Danny Duffy (2-1, 0.50 ERA).
TIGERS’ 40-MAN ROSTER (40)
Players in bold are on the 26-man active roster.
Left-handed pitchers (7): Tyler Alexander, Matthew Boyd, Derek Holland, Daniel Norris, Tarik Skubal, Gregory Soto, Joey Wentz.
Right-handed pitchers (15): Beau Burrows, Jose Cisnero, Alex Faedo, Buck Farmer, Michael Fulmer, Kyle Funkhouser, Bryan Garcia, Rony Garcia, Joe Jimenez, Alex Lange, Matt Manning, Casey Mize, Franklin Perez, Spencer Turnbull, Jose Ureña.
Catchers (3): Grayson Greiner, Wilson Ramos, Jake Rogers.
Infielders (8): Miguel Cabrera, Jeimer Candelario, Harold Castro, Willi Castro, Niko Goodrum, Isaac Paredes, Jonathan Schoop, Zack Short.
Outfielders (7): Akil Baddoo, Daz Cameron, Robbie Grossman, Derek Hill, JaCoby Jones, Nomar Mazara*, Victor Reyes.
* on the 10-day injured list
Right-handed pitcher Julio Teheran (right shoulder strain) is on the 60-day disabled list.