Miguel Cabrera Injury: Updates on Tigers Star's Ankle and Recovery

Reigning two-time American League MVP Miguel Cabrera was hampered by injuries for much of the 2014 campaign, and the Detroit Tigers slugger underwent surgery to correct the issues Wednesday.

According to the team's official Twitter account, the procedure focused on Cabrera's right ankle and foot, and his condition will be revisited in January:

Bob Nightengale of USA Today provides more details on the injury:

Chris Iott of MLive.com notes this marks the second consecutive offseason during which the superstar corner infielder has undergone surgery.

Despite missing just three games in 2014, the 31-year-old future Hall of Famer didn't put up the type of numbers Tigers fans have grown accustomed to. He still had a strong campaign with a .313 batting average, 25 home runs and 109 RBI, but he topped .330 with at least 44 homers and 137 RBI in each of the previous two seasons.

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Miggy almost certainly won't make it three MVP awards in a row, but undergoing this surgery likely increases his chances of returning to top form in 2015. Though he certainly isn't known for his speed and agility, a healthier ankle would unquestionably help him at the plate.

Craig Calcaterra of Hardball Talk noted how the injury could impact his status for spring training:

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Three months from now is just a couple of weeks before pitchers and catchers report. So any sort of setback or slow healing from the surgery, and Cabrera could be looking at a late start to spring training.

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It will be interesting to see how the Tigers utilize him next, although it may be wise to give him more looks at designated hitter.

Cabrera is still young when considering everything he has accomplished in baseball, but Detroit needs to do everything it can to preserve him and prolong his playing career.

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