Martinez powers Tigers

Associated Press

DETROIT

Despite another early exit by injured Miguel Cabrera, the Detroit Tigers beat the Cleveland Indians 7-2 Friday night in a game stopped after seven innings because of rain.

Victor Martinez doubled twice and drove in two runs as the AL Central-leading Tigers opened a 71/2-game lead over second-place Cleveland.

Cabrera was pulled from a second straight game, this time after two innings because of irritation in his abdominal area. He struck out in his only at-bat.

Cabrera left Thursday’s game after hurting his abdomen while making an awkward slide. He has been bothered by a strained left abdominal bases loaded and two out in the sixth.

Alburquerque walked Asdrubal Cabrera to force in a run and make it 5-2, but then got Yan Gomes on a grounder. Bruce Rondon combined to pitch a scoreless seventh as each allowed a hit.

Zach McAllister (7-8) gave up five runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings.

TRADE

The Indians found someone to boost their sagging offense. They now have to hope it’s not too late.

After scoring just three runs in three games while being swept in Atlanta, the Indians acquired outfielder Jason Kubel and cash from Arizona to help their playoff push. Kubel, who hit 30 homers last season but has struggled in 2013, was designated for assignment this week by the Diamondbacks.

In exchange for Kubel, the Diamondbacks will receive a player to be named later or cash.

Kubel was struggling in his second season with the Diamondbacks. He batted just .220 with five homers and 32 RBIs in 89 games, and had been reduced to mainly pinch-hitting duties. The Diamondbacks had 10 days to trade, release or put Kubel on waivers.

The Indians went 0-for-18 with runners in scoring position against the Braves, and everyone in Cleveland’s batting order is slumping.

Kubel spent seven seasons in Minnesota before signing as a free agent with Arizona in 2011. He’s making $7.5 million this year with a club option worth $7.5 million for next season.