Miguel Cabrera, Albert Pujols to sit

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DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels each sat a star in the hopes of keeping them healthy for rest of the season.

Miguel Cabrera and Albert Pujols didn't play because of injuries Sunday when Detroit beat Los Angeles 5-2 in the series finale, giving them extra rest because both teams are off Monday.

Cabrera hopes to play third base Tuesday night.

"Hopefully feel well in Kansas City and play in the field," he said.

The Angels also are targeting Tuesday for Pujols' return at home against Boston.

Cabrera played in Detroit's first 126 games this season. He has a sore right ankle that limited him to being a designated hitter on Friday and Saturday.

"What's best for Miguel is best for the Tigers," Detroit manager Jim Leyland said.

Pujols hasn't played since Wednesday when he left a game against Boston in the fourth inning with tightness in his right calf.

"I'm feeling better," he said. "But they want to give me another day off -- whatever they want to do."

The Tigers and Angels are both potentially vying for an AL wild card with 30-plus games left in the regular season. They need Cabrera and Pujols to avoid going from having day-to-day soreness to a long-term injury.

Cabrera ranks among the AL's best with a .324 batting average, 32 homers and 106 RBIs. Pujols is hitting .283 and has 28 homers and 86 RBIs.

"When Albert is ready to play, he's going to play," Los Angeles manager Mike Scioscia said. "We're not holding him out to get him ready for the stretch. If he was available and could play, he would be playing."

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

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