The plot thickens for Tigers masher Miguel Cabrera, as a 1-for-4, homerless performance against the Royals did him no good in his bid for the triple crown (although his team won!).
He hasn't homered in his last six games, and with six left to play he needs to end the mini-drought if he's to pass Josh Hamilton in the HR department before season's end. Elsewhere, the batting-average race remains tight, as Joe Mauer has moved into second place.
Next up for Miggy is Scott Diamond and the Twins. The rookie left-hander has been solid this season, but Cabrera has cuffed him around in limited exposure: 12 PA, .455/.500/.636. No homers, though.
To the big board ...
Batting average
Cabrera, .326
Mauer, .323
Mike Trout, .320
Derek Jeter, .318
Trout's 0-fer on Thursday dropped him behind Mauer, who'll oppose Cabrera's mate Drew Smyly. Mauer in his career has batted 42 points lower against lefties than against righties, so that's to Smyly's (and Cabrera's) advantage.
Home runs
Hamilton, 43
Cabrera, 42
Edwin Encarnacion, 42
Adam Dunn, 41
Curtis Granderson, 40
Tough draw for Hamilton, as he'll get Jered Weaver on Friday. He's homered only once against Weaver in 50 career PAs.
RBI
Cabrera, 133
Hamilton, 125
Nothing to see here barring an absurd night from Hamilton.
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