Miguel Cabrera diagnosed with chronic knee injury

Miguel Cabrera has been diagnosed with a chronic knee condition.

The Detroit Tigers first baseman left the Tigers’ 8-2 win over the Atlanta Braves in the sixth inning last Friday with right knee soreness. He had an MRI Saturday and was put back in the lineup Tuesday, smacking a grand slam in a 9-6 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.

According to The Detroit News’ Chris McCosky, Cabrera consulted with four world-renowned surgeons who did not recommend surgery for the injury. The cause of the injury is “attrition”, according to Tigers team trainer Doug Teter.

Cabrera’s return to the lineup comes with a catch. Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire says Cabrera will be relegated to the designated hitter position for the rest of the season. Cabrera had played 25 games at first base this year and has primarily played the field throughout his career in Detroit.

Cabrera dealt with his fair share of injury trouble last year, playing just 38 games before having season-ending surgery to repair ruptured tendons in his biceps.

The 36-year-old is slashing .284/.356/.356 for the Tigers this season.