Javier Báez of the Detroit Tigers returns to Wrigley Field
Former Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Báez speaks to reporters on August 20, 2024, about his first return to Wrigley Field since 2021.
CHICAGO — After Thursday’s game, Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez spoke with manager AJ Hinch, complaining of pain in his right hip and lower back.
The Tigers have benched Báez for 10 days because of lumbar and hip inflammation before Friday’s opener of a four-game series against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field.
The 31-year-old has been on the injured list twice this season, both times due to a lower back injury. The new hip problem is probably related to the recurring back pain.
“Some connection, at least the initial diagnosis is that there is a connection,” manager AJ Hinch said. “We don’t have a full diagnosis yet, but we know he can’t walk.”
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The Tigers have not ruled Báez out for the remainder of the 2024 season – at least not yet. There are 34 games remaining, with the final game of the season being September 29 at Comerica Park.
Báez has been suffering from lower back pain for several years.
He has returned to Detroit for further medical tests.
“As we learn more in the next 24 to 48 hours, we’ll know a little bit more about what the next month looks like and what baseball activities he’ll be able to engage in,” Hinch said.
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Báez has a .184 batting average with six home runs, 12 walks and 69 strikeouts in 80 games in 2024 and is earning $25 million in his third season with the Tigers. He received an injection to treat his lower back injury in mid-June before beginning rehab after his previous stint on the injured list.
He is due $73 million from 2025 to 2027 to fulfill a six-year, $140 million contract. His OPS has declined in each of his three seasons, from .671 in 2022 to .593 in 2023 to .516 in 2024.
“I feel sorry for him,” Hinch said. “We talked about it over and over again, and it just wasn’t good for him.”
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To replace Báez, the Tigers brought back infielder Ryan Kreidler from Triple-A Toledo.
Trey Sweeney, who has played three games in his MLB career, will continue to play shortstop against right-handed pitchers, which will give him the majority of playing time. Kreidler, on the other hand, will get the rare starts against left-handed pitchers and will also work at third and second base when the regular starters need a rest.
“I’ll use him at short, third and maybe second,” Hinch said of Kreidler. “Since we last saw him, he’s played a little bit of center field in Toledo. So that real all-around role, like the right-handed version of (Zach) McKinstry. … Kreidler knows his role and it’s not his first time here, so he knows how it’s going to go.”
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Last rehab start for Casey Mize?
Right-hander Casey Mize (left hamstring strain) will start for Triple-A Toledo on Saturday. This will be the fourth start of his rehab assignment. It should be his last start in the minor leagues.
“We hope so,” said Hinch. “After that, it should be a decision point.”
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The 27-year-old can be activated from the injured list on August 30th at Comerica Park against the Boston Red Sox. It will likely be his first start for the Tigers since June 30th.
“He has to accomplish a few things on this trip to solidify that,” Hinch said.
As a rehabber, Mize allowed one run on seven hits and four walks with 10 strikeouts in nine innings in three starts for the Mud Hens. He threw 35 pitches in his first start, 50 pitches in his second start and 63 pitches in his third start.
In his last two starts, he pitched until the fourth inning.
“Hopefully we can improve his endurance,” Hinch said. “That’s the main thing that’s holding him back from where he is now.”
Mize had a 4.23 ERA in 16 starts over 78⅔ innings before suffering the hamstring strain.
Injury Updates
∎ Right-hander Reese Olson (right shoulder injury) is scheduled to throw his second bullpen session before Saturday’s game at Guaranteed Rate Field. He threw 20 pitches in his first bullpen session and used all of his pitches. The 25-year-old expects to pitch in MLB games sometime before the season finale on Sept. 29.
∎ Outfielder Wenceel Pérez (left oblique strain) has added catching and running to his return to play, along with hitting. The 24-year-old has been hitting for at least a few days. The Tigers plan for Pérez, like Olson, to return from the IL and play MLB games in September.
Contact Evan Petzold at [email protected] or follow him @EvanPetzold.
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