A surgical stapling device includes tool assembly having a cartridge assembly, an anvil assembly, and a stabilization member that is supported on a distal portion of one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies. The cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are coupled to each other by a pivot member such that the tool assembly is movable between open and clamped positions. The stabilizing member is movable when the tool assembly is in the clamped position from a first position disengaged with the other of the cartridge and anvil assemblies to a second position engaged with the other of the cartridge and anvil assemblies to define a predetermined tissue gap between the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly.
