"Jim Leyland's leisurely break from the grind of the regular season was interrupted Tuesday night when his best hitter left the All-Star game with an injury.

On Thursday, the Detroit manager was optimistic that slugger Miguel Cabrera would be fine. The first baseman is expected to play Friday night when the Tigers return from the break with a home game against the White Sox.

"I don't have any reason to believe different." Leyland said.

Cabrera is hitting .311 with 18 home runs and 59 RBIs this season. He left the All-Star game Tuesday night after hurting an oblique muscle in his side while swinging.

"That sends a red flag up, even when you're home relaxing," Leyland said.

The Tigers held a workout Thursday night at Comerica Park. It was optional for the team's All-Stars, and there was no sign of Cabrera.

Catcher Alex Avila, who also played in the All-Star game, said Cabrera's injury was benign enough that he didn't even realize the first baseman had left the game because of it.

"I didn't know he came out of the game because of something," Avila said. "When I saw him in the clubhouse, he said he was fine.""