Detroit’s Cabrera Still in Position for Triple Crown

Cabrera remains in contention for first Triple Crown since Yastrzemski in 1967

Miguel Cabrera was hitless in three at-bats in Detroit’s 2-1 win over Minnesota on Sunday, but the Tigers third baseman remained in position to achieve Major League Baseball’s first Triple Crown since Carl Yastrzemski accomplished the feat in 1967.

With three games remaining at Kansas City, Cabrera is tied with Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton at 43 home runs. Cabrera has 136 RBI, which is comfortably ahead of Hamilton’s 126. After Sunday’s game, Cabrera held a .325 average compared to Joe Mauer‘s .323, which is second in the American League. Los Angeles Angels’ rookie Mike Trout carried a .322 average on Sunday while Rangers’ third baseman Adrian Beltre was hitting .321.

Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium is a comfortable place for Cabrera, who is 9-for-26 there this season and .352 for his career.

If Cabrera wins the Triple Crown, he will likely win the American League Most Valuable Player award, considering the rarity of the feat. The Tigers also appear headed for the American League Central title with a 86-73 record and a three-game lead over the Chicago White Sox with three games left.

Should Cabrera not capture the Triple Crown, that will heighten the debate of whether the veteran slugger or the rookie Trout should get the AL MVP honor.