The Detroit Tigers may be fourth in the AL Central, but their 32-33 record indicates that they have been quite decent.
They have taken baby steps forward in the past couple of years, and .500 ball would actually be an achievement and an improvement.
They have done that with a rather mediocre offense, and most notably with Javier Baez being a shell of his former self.
Baez won’t be with the Tigers for at least a few days but not because of his performance: he has landed on the injured list.
“Per AJ Hinch, the Tigers are placing Javy Baez on the IL (lumbar inflammation). Ryan Kreidler coming up from Toledo,” Tigers reporter Daniella Bruce tweeted.
Baez could use the time to get healthy, but there is currently no timetable for his return.
Once he regains full health, he could also use the time to try some new things at the plate.
Unfortunately for the Tigers, he has been among the worst players in the league this season.
That’s certainly not ideal since he is making $25 million per season and is under contract for three more years beyond 2024.
As of Tuesday afternoon, he is hitting a paltry .183/.209/.247 with a .456 OPS.
Baez’s power has evaporated to the point he has just one home run in 186 at-bats this season.
His plate discipline has also hit a new low, as he has drawn six walks and struck out 42 times.
He remains steady on the field, but has been a liability on offense.
Perhaps this injury can help partially explain his recent offensive struggles, but he has a lot to work on once he regains full health.
