DETROIT -- Detroit Tigers reliever Francisco Rodriguez stumbled in his return to a high-leverage relief role, but Miguel Cabrera bailed him out with a walk-off win in the ninth inning.
Cabrera hit a two-run home run, his first in more than 100 plate appearances, as the Tigers beat the Rays 5-3 Thursday night at Comerica Park.
Tigers starter Justin Verlander allowed two runs through seven innings before giving way to Rodriguez in the eighth.
Rodriguez was pitching for the first time since publicly complaining about his role on the team. After retiring the first batter, he gave up a mammoth, 432-foot home run to Steven Souza, tying the game at 3.