The Detroit Tigers are experimenting with shortstop Javier Baez in a totally new place as they enter the ultimate stretch of spring coaching.
Baez began for the Tigers in middle subject for Saturday’s spring coaching sport towards the Atlanta Braves in Lakeland. The surprising transfer marks Baez’s first foray into outfield play, no less than in sport motion, all spring.
Whereas it’s extremely unlikely that Baez will changing into something near a full-time outfielder, the truth that he’s taking part in there in any respect is notable. He has by no means performed the place exterior of 4 emergency appearances there with the Chicago Cubs, and even these have been in nook outfield positions. Add in that he had season-ending knee surgery final season and that is an uncommon transfer, to say the least.
The Tigers worth positional flexibility, so this may very well be a part of an try and make Baez extra versatile. On Thursday, the veteran performed third base for the Tigers, although that may be a much less jarring transfer than one to the outfield. The Tigers are additionally coping with some outfield accidents at first of the season, which is a part of the rationale another unlikely player has seen some time there this spring. The staff simply introduced Saturday that beginning middle fielder Parker Meadows will miss at least a month to begin the season, so Baez getting a begin at that place is perhaps tied to that.
Baez won’t see common taking part in time wherever until he hits quite a bit higher in 2025. He slumped to a .184 batting common in 80 video games final season with simply six dwelling runs. The 32-year-old nonetheless has three years and $73 million left on his contract with the Tigers, so the staff is keen to strive absolutely anything to get a spark out of him.
