Detroit Tigers: 5 terrible decisions from the 2022 season

Eric Haase throwing to third base against Minnesota on April 26

You probably forgot about this, didn’t you? Well, allow me to jog your memory. I apologize in advance if I trigger anyone’s PTSD.

It’s the bottom of the ninth inning. There’s one out, and Gregory Soto is looking for a double play ball to end the game and pick up a save. Miguel Sano whacks a ball into the gap in right center field.

Robbie Grossman initially misplays it, but recovers nicely and delivers a strike into the infield. The Twins get themselves caught in a pickle, and Haase nonchalantly tosses the ball over Jeimer Candelario’s head and into the outfield. Two runs score, and the Twins win the game.

What on earth Haase was thinking there, I don’t know. The runner on third was staying put as Sano was running toward third base. Haase should have just kept the ball and tagged the runner on third, or threw it to second base. Poor Javier Baez, who had just hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the eighth inning, was frantically waving his arms in an effort to get Haase’s attention, but to no avail.

Haase would go on to have a much better season following this disaster, but this was one of many lowlights for the Detroit Tigers this season.