AJ Hinch had perfect response to awkward situation after Javy Báez ejection

By the time he arrived at Comerica Park for Tuesday's game against the San Francisco Giants, Javy Báez was probably still heated about what had happened the day before.

The Detroit Tigers' slugger, who started Monday's series opener at center field, was ejected from the game in the fifth inning for arguing a highly questionable strike three call from home plate umpire Phil Cuzzi on a pitch that was low and far outside of the zone.

The situation escalated quickly when a fuming Báez attempted to charge back toward Cuzzi after he tossed him from the game, prompting third base coach Joey Cora and teammate Gleyber Torres to hold him back. AJ Hinch stormed onto the field to back up Báez as well.

Báez was still upset after Monday's game, telling reporters that he was less frustrated about the call than he was about the way Cuzzi treated him during the argument. The emotions were probably still raw when he returned to the Tigers' lineup the following day, when Báez was slotted in as the Tigers' starting third baseman.

Báez would have to check those emotions at the door, though. The third base umpire for Tuesday's game? None other than Phil Cuzzi. Seriously, you can't make this stuff up.

AJ Hinch had perfect response to awkward situation after Javy Báez ejection

Of course, the likely reason Báez was getting the start at third base on Tuesday was because Tigers outfielder Wenceel Pérez had just been activated off the injured list and was starting in center field. But Hinch had a more humorous take on the circumstances that landed Báez and Cuzzi in tight quarters at the hot corner after their kerfuffle the previous day.

"It's like parenting," Hinch said (via Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic). "I got to put them two in a corner and tell them they've got to sort it out and play nice."

Fortunately, Hinch's version of the "Get-Along Shirt" worked, and there were no additional fireworks between Báez and Cuzzi in Tuesday's game. Still, it's safe to assume that relations between the two will remain prickly for the foreseeable future. But winning heals all, and the Tigers swept the Giants before they start a weekend series against the Royals. So as long as Báez is cool with that, then it seems like everything will be just fine.

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