Miguel Cabrera is eager for the Detroit Tigers to clinch the American League Central title as soon as possible so he can get some much-needed rest before the playoffs.
"It means a lot to me," Cabrera said. "But I'm not the only one with injuries here. There are a few guys who deal with their own ailments. Right now, we are focused on winning and clinching the division. After we achieve that, if there's a chance to get some rest, we will think about it."
The reigning Triple Crown winner, Cabrera still has an outside shot at repeating the feat.
"It's a matter of luck, and things changing any minute," he said. "This situation is not frustrating, since our team is doing great. I've told manager Jim Leyland and the team's trainers that I don't want any more rest, I will play no matter what, and I will try my best on the field."
Cabrera is hitting .348/.442/.657 with 43 home runs and 133 RBI this season.
He has a comfortable lead in batting average, but trails Chris Davis (50) in home runs and has a slim lead in RBI.