ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski on Tuesday night denied an ESPN report that first baseman Miguel Cabrera might be shopped around later this season in trade possibilities if the Tigers have a slow start and Detroit's economy continues to struggle.
"There's nothing that can happen this year that can make us think about trading Miguel Cabrera," Dombrowski said. "The guy's only 26 and might be battling for the MVP award." Cabrera was leading the league with a .489 average and had four home runs and 12 RBIs entering Tuesday night's game against the Los Angeles Angels. He went hitless against the Angels as his average dropped to .451.
"It's not going to happen," Dombrowski said. "We have an owner (Mike Ilitch) that would never let that happen. It upsets me."
Cabrera is making $15 million this year, in the second season of an eight-year deal worth $153.3 million. He was last season's American League home run champion with 37.
Willis displays control
Dontrelle Willis, in his first outing since being placed on the disabled list March 29 with an anxiety disorder, had excellent control Tuesday night while pitching for the Class A Lakeland Tigers .
Willis didn't walk anybody and had just one three-ball count in seven innings. He allowed four runs (two earned) on eight hits and struck out two. Willis threw 58 strikes in 75 pitches, averaged 88 to 89 mph with his fastball and topped out at 92 mph.
Willis will make his next scheduled rehabilitation assignment start with the Double-A Erie SeaWolves.
Leyland said he spoke with Willis by phone before the outing.
Thames on DL
Left fielder Marcus Thames was scheduled to be placed on the disabled list today with a rib cage injury suffered Tuesday during extra batting practice. Outfielder Ryan Raburn, with five homers for the Toledo Mud Hens, is being recalled.
Zumaya, Bonderman throw
Joel Zumaya (shoulder) pitched the first of scheduled back-to-back outings Tuesday for the Toledo Mud Hens, and had a 1-2-3 eighth inning with two strikeouts against Indianapolis.
Leyland said Jeremy Bonderman (shoulder) threw Tuesday in a simulated game at Lakeland and was fine physically.
"They were very happy with him but were not satisfied with the way the ball is coming out of his hand," Leyland said.
Ordonez a singles hitter
Magglio Ordonez entered Tuesday night's game with the same batting average and slugging percentage: .295. He had 13 hits, all singles. He had another single against the Angels, and now is batting .292.
"I want some extra-base hits," Ordonez said. "They'll come. I hope they come soon."
He is taking extra batting practice daily, and is trying to hit the ball to the opposite field. That technique forces him to keep his eye on the ball as long as possible.
"I'm just going to keep staying inside the ball," Ordonez said.
Santiago starts at short
Shortstop Adam Everett is over the flu and feeling fine, but Leyland said Ramon Santiago would start Tuesday while Everett will start tonight. Santiago had 11 RBIs in the past five games, falling seven short of his 2008 total.
"When a guy has 11 RBIs for the week, it's hard to take the guy out," Leyland said. "Don't you think?"
