It may take longer than expected for Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez to come back from his injury.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch provided an update on Báez on Tuesday, May 26, and said Báez is not progressing quickly from his right ankle injury. He will see a specialist soon for a re-evaluation.
“Javy is gonna get further medical evaluation,” said Hinch. “His ankle is not responding quickly [to treatment]. He’s not able to run full speed, he’s not able to do all the activities. So we’re gonna have him seen by another doctor and just continue to try to get to the bottom of this inflammation that he can’t quite shake.”
Báez injured his ankle while attempting a slide into first base during an April 28 game against the Atlanta Braves. He was carted off the field and was revealed to have a “significant” ankle sprain the next day. He was initially added to the 10-day injured list, but he has not progressed in his recovery as quickly as the Tigers had hoped.
Hinch did not provide a timeline for his return, but said that the team would provide updates throughout the week.
Báez, who had a resurgent All-Star season in 2025, is slashing .256/.280/.397 over 82 plate appearances for the Tigers this season. His injury has given way to rookie Kevin McGonigle to take the majority of starts at shortstop for the Tigers in his absence.
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You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Tigers SS Javier Báez to see a specialist for his right ankle injury
Reporting by Christian Romo, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
