Cabrera going on road with Tigers but isn't ready to play

Lakeland, Fla. – Miguel Cabrera, recovering from ankle surgery, will make his first road trip with the Tigers Sunday when they travel to Jupiter, Fla.

But don't get excited. He's not going to play either against the Marlins Sunday or the Cardinals on Monday. He will continue working out with the team, including taking full batting practice and fielding practice.

He and Victor Martinez (knee) ran the bases for the first time on Saturday. They had been doing straight-line sprints. It was the first time they made turns.

About Cabrera, manager Brad Ausmus continues to be cautiously optimistic about having him in the lineup by opening day or close to it.

"I hope he plays before camp breaks," he said. "But nothing's changed. My guess is, yes, he will play before camp breaks. If he is going to be ready close to opening day, then you would have to play some games before that.

"But we are still not going to rush him. Opening day is not a hard date for me. It's more about being ready for the long-term. Whether that's on opening day or a week and a half after opening day, I don't know."

Ausmus said outfielder Yoenis Cespedes (strained quad), second baseman Ian Kinsler (left shoulder) and catcher Alex Avila (back stiffness) will travel to Jupiter. He said the tentative plan was for Cespedes and Avila to play against the Cardinals Monday.

He said he wasn't sure that Kinsler would play in either of the two games.

Twitter@cmccosky