Detroit Tigers: Javier Baez benched after baserunning gaffe

Roger Castillo

Detroit Tigers v Toronto Blue Jays / Mark Blinch/GettyImages

Javier Báez loses track of outs and A.J. Hinch's patience

Detroit Tigers fans have seen it all in this series against Toronto. From Matt Vierling not sliding on a steal attempt to another bullpen meltdown. The frustration of manager A.J. Hinch was visible after the game on Wednesday night. But what little patience fans and perhaps Hinch had with Javier Báez may be gone.

Báez hit a double that, at first glance, looked to be his first home run of the season, but he may have been admiring the hit a bit much as he took his time getting out of the batters box. Then, after a flyout by Akil Baddoo, he was doubled off at second base as it looked like he forgot how many outs there were.

Javier Báez got a late start out of the box watching his drive to LF that hit off the top of the wall for a double. Then he apparently forgot how many outs there were on Akil Baddoo's fly out to CF, resulting in an inning-ending 8-4 double play. The baserunning mishaps continue. pic.twitter.com/JJCDKWMiGk
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) April 13, 2023

As the inning came to an end, Hinch took Baez aside and pull him out of the game. Jonathan Schoop came in to replace Baez as Maton was moved to short from third and Schoop took over at third base.

That hit by Baez was his first hit for extra bases on the 2023 season. As if the Tigers needed more distractions during this six-game losing streak, here's another one. Hinch made the right decision. It's inexcusable for a team that needs to snap out of the funk.

Roger Castillo

Rogelio Castillo is an accomplished contributor to various baseball sites, including Woodward Sports, Motor City Bengals, Call to the Pen, and other Fansided platforms. He has been writing and podcasting about the Detroit Tigers and their prospects since 2011, and his expertise in the field has earned him membership in the BBWAA. Besides his passion for baseball, Rogelio is a proud alumnus of the University of Michigan-Dearborn. When he's not immersed in the world of sports, he enjoys exploring science fiction, participating in trivia competitions, and reading books.