Leyland ready to increase players' workload

Leyland ready to increase players' workload
By Anthony Chiang / MLB.com | 03/28/12 5:29 PM ET

JUPITER, Fla. -- As Spring Training enters its final stretch, manager Jim Leyland is ready to increase his team's workload.

Leyland said on Wednesday that Thursday's starters will play at least seven innings against the Nationals. With the game in Lakeland and at 6:05 p.m. ET, Leyland has the perfect opportunity to play those regulars a little more than usual during Spring Training.

"It will be a little cooler, we're home, they can sleep in a little bit [on Thursday]," Leyland said. "It's almost time to step it up."

Third baseman Miguel Cabrera, who was cleared by doctors to resume physical activity on Tuesday after sustaining a fracture below his right eye, is included in Leyland's statement. If Cabrera plays on Thursday, he'll play at least seven innings, too.

However, just because Thursday's starters will play most of the game doesn't mean they will be in the lineup on Opening Day.

"I can possibly have three Opening Day lineups, and I'm not trying to fool with you guys," Leyland said. "But I don't know how this club is going to play out yet."

Anthony Chiang is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.