The Detroit Tigers are holding their breath against Javier Baez after an uncharacteristic performance at first base.
The veteran versatile man had to be carted off the field in the fifth inning of Detroit’s game against the Atlanta Braves. The injury occurred on a grounder to Braves shortstop Mauricio Dupont, who missed the first pitch.
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Braves first baseman Matt Olson caught the errant ball and charged at Baez, who tried to escape Olson’s glove and ended up sliding into first base with his right leg underneath him.
Baez was in obvious pain and his right foot couldn’t wait after the game, causing the Tigers’ training staff to call a cart.
Tigers head coach AJ Hinch confirmed to reporters after the game, via Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press , that it was a right ankle injury, saying, “That looks scary.” Baez will reportedly undergo ankle imaging on Wednesday.
That wasn’t the only injury for the Tigers on Tuesday, as reliever Casey Meads also left the game in the third inning with right groin tightness. He will also undergo imaging tests on Wednesday.
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After the game, both players expressed optimism through Petzold, with Baez saying he could put pressure on his injured ankle again.
Baez is coming off an All-Star season with the Tigers in 2025, though a rough second half has pushed his numbers closer to the standards he established during his cushy career in Detroit. Still, his defense, versatility and experience provide value to the Tigers, who lead the AL Central with a 15-15 record.
