BALTIMORE -- The Tigers lost their starting pitcher and their key hitter in the same game Sunday. Miguel Cabrera left the series finale against the Orioles at Camden Yards in the fifth inning with what the team called a left biceps spasm.
Cabrera's exit from Sunday's 5-3 loss came two innings after Daniel Norris left with left groin tightness. But while Norris could miss time figuring out what has been ongoing issue, Cabrera expects to be fine, saying he felt "much better" after getting treatment on his arm during the game.
Cabrera fell a triple shy of a cycle in a five-RBI performance Saturday night. On Sunday, he grounded out in the first and fourth innings against O's starter Kevin Gausman. Both Cabrera and Victor Martinez wanted to play Sunday despite the quick turnaround after the night game, manager Ron Gardenhire said Sunday morning.
Niko Goodrum replaced Cabrera at first base when the Tigers took the field for the bottom of the fifth inning.
Cabrera has been notably healthy in what has been a bounce-back season so far him after back injuries doomed his 2017 campaign with some of the lowest offensive numbers of his career. Cabrera has had minor back issues off and on the past few weeks, but he has treated them carefully and left games early as a precaution, having learned his lesson from last year.