Cabrera losing power

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera has driven in at least 112 runs in five consecutive seasons but was on pace for 87 RBIs going into Tuesday night's game. That's 40 fewer than last season. Cabrera had more than twice as many RBIs in the first two months of the season (37) as he has in the past two months (16). "I can't figure it out," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. Since May 27, Cabrera is 5-for-45 (.111) without an extra-base hit with runners in scoring position. Only former Seattle and current Kansas City shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt matches that futility (3-for-27, .111) in the major leagues. Cabrera was asked what it would take to get him back on pace as one of the game's top run-producers. "Hits, base hits," he said. "Right now, I can't tell you nothing. I don't want to talk; I just want to do my job. I've got to make it happen -- that's it." Immediately after Monday night's game, Cabrera watched videotape of his two-out, bases-loaded strikeout after getting ahead in the count 3-0 to Texas Rangers rookie right-hander Tommy Hunter. But on Tuesday, Cabrera said he learned nothing from studying the tape. He had been given the green light to swing on 3-0 but did not get the sign and ended up swinging at what Leyland said would have been ball four. He went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles in Tuesday night's loss to the Texas Rangers, and did not come up with anybody on base. "I'm hoping he's about to get hot," Leyland said. "I saw some signs in the Chicago White Sox series (over the weekend). He's going to have to get hot with some other guys. (Brandon) Inge has been struggling, too. "But a guy like (Cabrera) can get hot and carry you for awhile -- and it's not like they're pitching him that tough." INGE LEADS the Tigers with 21 homers and 58 RBIs but has not hit a homer or driven in a run since the All-Star break. He is batting .139 since the break. Leyland dismissed the fact Inge was affected by going 0-for-10 in the All-Star game's Home Run Derby, and wasn't sure how much his aching knees are contributing to his slump. Inge spent time before Tuesday night's game studying videotape with hitting coach Lloyd McClendon and taking extra batting practice.He was 1-for-4 Tuesday night, and Leyland is considering resting him today in order to give him consecutive days off before opening a three-game series Friday in Cleveland against the Indians. Nate Robertson (elbow) and Jeremy Bonderman (shoulder) expect to pitch a simulated game Friday in Cleveland. Robertson said he hopes to begin a rehabilitation assignment after that and build his endurance so he can start again. "That's what I'm supposed to do," Robertson said. "I would certainly like to put myself in a situation to contribute. I've got peace of mind now, and that's huge." He said he is throwing much better since the four fatty deposits were removed from his elbow four weeks ago. LEYLAND SAID middle infielder Ramon Santiago probably is a better third base substitute for Inge than Ryan Raburn, who primarily plays outfield. "He has more confidence there from playing infield," Leyland said. "But Raburn is OK." DETROIT HAD a seven-game winning streak against Texas broken in Monday's 5-2 loss. Curtis Granderson hit his 20th home run Monday. It was Granderson's 19th career leadoff homer, tying him for second in club history with Dick McAuliffe. He trails Lou Whitaker by four leadoff homers.