HOUSTON - Detroit Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera is off the disabled list and back in the starting lineup.

The two-time AL MVP was activated for Friday night's game at Houston. He was playing first base and batting third.

Cabrera hasn't played since July 3 because of a strained left calf. He began the day batting .350 with 15 home runs and 54 RBIs in 77 games. The Tigers are five games behind in the race for the second AL wild-card spot.

This was Cabrera's first stint on the disabled list. He's in his 13th major league season.

The Tigers optioned left-hander Kyle Ryan to Triple-A Toledo to make room for Cabrera on the roster.