Javy Báez may force Tigers to make tough decision when star defender returns

So, Javy Báez is ... good now? If you're a Detroit Tigers fan who is still struggling to wrap your mind around that information, don't worry – you're not alone.

Not only is Báez making Gold Glove-caliber plays at a position he had never played before in his 11 MLB seasons, but he is also hitting extremely well. He has hits in six straight games, including three homers and three multi-hit performances, and he's looking like the El Mago of old.

Báez has played so well at center field that many Tigers fans have begun to wonder whether injured center fielder Parker Meadows will still have a job when he returns to the club. While it's a natural question to have, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic (subscription required) urged fans to pump the brakes and look at the big picture.

"Unless Báez is playing so well that the Tigers decide to demote [Trey] Sweeney and make Báez their everyday shortstop, I think Báez is most likely to revert to a utility role [when Meadows returns]," Stavenhagen wrote. "The fact that he’s looked so good in center field means he could sometimes spell Meadows against rough lefty starters. He could split time with Sweeney at shortstop and get some occasional action at third base, potentially as a late-game defensive replacement."

In fairness, Meadows is an elite defensive center fielder. Báez, while admittedly a pleasant surprise at the position, hasn't done enough to fully supplant Meadows in the role. The fact that Báez has demonstrated the versatility to play the position (and play it well) is still tremendous news for the Tigers.

Javy Báez's recent hot streak doesn't spell trouble for Tigers' Parker Meadows

So, even if he is no longer the starting center fielder, Báez will still have a role to play for the Tigers once Meadows returns from his injury. That will likely be a utility role; but, as Stavenhagen pointed out, it's entirely possible that the Tigers will have another set of injuries or slumps (or both) by then.

"In this perfect world where everyone is healthy, it will be tough to get Báez consistent at-bats without taking away from anyone else," Stavenhagen wrote. "But again, the chances of everyone staying healthy and staying hot through the end of the month are slim. This is baseball, and chances are the Tigers will be dealing with a whole nother set of complications by the time Meadows is back."

Regardless, Báez's newfound defensive versatility – not to mention his scorching hot bat – has been a game-changing development for the Tigers. If he can stay hot at the plate, they will have no excuse not to find a role for him.

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