MLB briefs: Cabrera’s season done

Miguel Cabrera’s superb season is likely over because of a badly sprained right ankle.

“I want to play, but I can’t today,” the Detroit Tigers’ slugger said, his right foot in a walking boot and crutches propped against his locker.

Although Cabrera hopes he might play in at least one of the Tigers’ remaining six games, manager Jim Leyland wasn’t nearly as optimistic on Tuesday.

“He’s not too good,” Leyland said. “He’s hurting. I’m not expecting too much too soon.”

Cabrera was injured on a pickoff attempt at first base Monday night in a 6-3 loss to the Cleveland Indians. He landed awkwardly as he got back to the bag safely. He limped to the dugout, and X-rays were negative.

Spurred by fan reaction to All-Star Evan Longoria’s criticism of Tampa Bay’s home attendance, the A.L. East-leading Rays are making 20,000 free tickets available for tonight’s game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Longoria called Monday’s turnout of just 12,446 for a game in which the Rays had a chance to clinch the second playoff berth in franchise history “disheartening.” All-Star pitcher David Price weighed in on the subject on Twitter, calling the small crowd “embarrassing.”

Clearing the bases

Atlanta third baseman Martin Prado will miss the rest of the season, including any playoffs, after an MRI showed he tore an oblique muscle. Doctors say Prado will need two months’ rest with no activity. … St. Louis Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright underwent an MRI exam that revealed a strained muscle in his forearm and inflammation near the elbow, and team physician Dr. George Paletta recommended that Wainwright not pitch again this season.