The Tigers are holding their breath about Javier Báez.
Báez exited in the fifth inning of Detroit’s game in Atlanta after sliding awkwardly at first base, leaving the field on a cart.
The center fielder rolled over on a first-pitch changeup from Braves lefty Martin Perez, sending a ground ball to shortstop. Mauricio Dubon threw high to first, though, and to avoid a tag from first baseman Matt Olson, Báez attempted to slide feet-first into the bag but appeared to injure the lower part of his right leg after going past the base.
Báez was helped off the field by first base coach Anthony Sanders and assistant athletic trainer Kelly Rhoades, who got him into a cart.
Wenceel Pérez came into the game to replace Báez.
Báez finished the game 0-for-2 before leaving.
Detroit had not announced what Baez is dealing with, but did say starting pitcher Casey Mize exited the ballgame with right groin tightness after yielding two runs over just 2 1/3 innings.
Báez has played center, short and second base this year and is hitting .256 with a .670 OPS through 78 at-bats.
Earlier this season, manager A.J. Hinch said Báez was looking more like his old self on the diamond after struggling through much of his six-year, $140 million contract he signed with Detroit before the 2022 season.
“I just think he’s like a kid again,” the skipper said. “He likes playing out there, but I don’t see an energy boost or a difference in him as much as I see a willing teammate go out and fill a void that was unfortunately open.”
