Tigers Injury Update: Javy Baez and Mark Canha concerns

For Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez and outfielder Mark Canha, it appears that the All-Star Break could not have come at a more opportune time.

Both players exited Saturday's 11-9 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Comerica Park, and both remained out of the lineup for Sunday's 4-3 win. But both have avoided placement on the IL – at least for now – thanks in large part to this week's All-Star break.

The hope is certainly that both Báez and Canha will be able to use the five-day break to rest and heal up in time for Friday's series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays. However, both players have a history of injury in this season alone that could temper any optimism about their projected return to the lineup.

The severity of Canha's injury – a sore wrist, according to Tigers manager A.J. Hinch – remains unclear. Keeping him out of the lineup on Sunday may have been purely precautionary, but it remains to be seen whether his injury is one that can be resolved in just five days' time.

"I felt discomfort in my wrist," Canha said after exiting Saturday's game (via Detroit Free Press). "I've been feeling it for a while. It was uncomfortable to the point where I couldn't really swing the bat with much ferocity."

Canha also missed several games as he battled a hip injury earlier in the season, but has so far managed to avoid landing on the injured list. He may not be as lucky this time, and as a prime candidate to be moved at the trade deadline, this could be a particularly impactful hindrance.

Hinch: Báez is now suffering from a 'different' back injury

Báez, who returned from the injured list on July 8 after missing a month of games with lumbar spine inflammation, left Saturday's game with an injury in his lower back. While multiple back injuries may be cause for concern, Hinch seems optimistic that this injury isn't as severe as the last one.

"It's a little bit different," Hinch said. "The news coming from Javy and from the doctors is encouraging, which is the (All-Star) break coming at a great time. Who knows how it would have been had we had a continual run of games.

Hinch also noted that Báez was in "better spirits than I thought he was going to be." Now, let's see if time really does heal all wounds.

More Tigers content from Motor City Bengals