-- Miguel Cabrera took a positive step at the plate, hitting a three-run double in his second game back with Detroit to lead a Tigers split squad past the Toronto Blue Jays 6-2 on Tuesday.
Cabrera cleared the bases with a drive to left-center that rolled to the fence in a four-run third inning. He went 1 for 4 and scored a run as the designated hitter. He's expected to play first base Wednesday against the Houston Astros.
Cabrera was 0 for 2 with a walk Monday against the New York Yankees in his first appearance since his arrest Feb. 16 on suspicion of driving under the influence and resisting an officer without violence. He is to be arraigned on March 16.
Attorney Michael Kessler, of the Kessler Law Firm in Ft. Pierce, Fla., told the Detroit Free Press he took on Cabrera's case because the slugger wants to be defended.
"Miguel Cabrera maintains his innocence," Kessler told the newspaper. "We intend to put forth a vigorous defense."
Cabrera hit .328 with 38 homers and 126 RBIs last season, finishing second in AL MVP voting to Texas' Josh Hamilton.
Victor Martinez, signed by Detroit to help its Cabrera-led lineup, had three singles. Leadoff batter Austin Jackson singled in his first two at-bats.
Jacob Turner gave up two singles in the first, then retired the next eight batters and gave up only one run over three innings in a solid showing for one of the Tigers' top prospects.
Ricky Romero, meanwhile, got roughed up. He gave up five hits and four runs over 2 1-3 innings, getting chased just before Cabrera's three-run double against Zach Stewart.
Eric Thames hit a solo homer and Brett Lawrie had an RBI single for the Blue Jays.
Updated March 1, 2011
