Cabrera moves to sixth spot, pitching shift coming

The only immediate change to come out of Leyland’s brainstorming session Thursday was Miguel Cabrera’s move from fifth to sixth in the batting order. Marcus Thames gets the fifth slot as Leyland tries to ride the hot bat, but even if he cools off, that might not move up Cabrera. Inge is catching tonight, but Leyland said that Pudge will catch the day games Saturday and Sunday.

There’s a pitching move coming, but Leyland wouldn’t yet get into what it is. Given Dontrelle Willis’ situation, it might well moving a current starter into a relief role and slotting Willis (who hasn’t pitched since last Friday) back in. Leyland also said they have to start preparing for guys coming back off the DL. That includes Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya, who are set to be sent out on minor-league rehab assignments in the next few days.

TIGERS

1. Granderson, CF
2. Polanco, 2B
3. Guillen, 3B
4. Ordonez, RF
5. Thames, LF
6. Cabrera, 1B
7. Larish, DH
8. Renteria, SS
9. Inge, C