Injured Star Javier Baez Surprises Detroit Tigers Teammates During ALDS

Javier Baez, the veteran shortstop for the Detroit Tigers, made a surprise appearance in the Progressive Field clubhouse prior to Game 2 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) against the Cleveland Guardians. Despite being sidelined for the season due to hip surgery, Baez’s unexpected visit was met with enthusiasm and warmth by his teammates.

“I saw him walk in, and everybody in the training room kind of went nuts, just him walking in,” said Tigers utility player Matt Vierling. “Everybody loves Javy. You know, he’s such a good presence for us. He’s a great guy. And just to have him around and for him to make the effort to drive over and come to the game, you know, that meant a lot to us.”

Baez, 31, has been recovering in Detroit during the final month of the regular season. He recently returned from Puerto Rico, where he had been attending to family matters. According to Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, Baez drove to Cleveland with his family to support his team and plans to be present in Detroit for Game 3.

“Javy came [Monday],” Hinch stated. “He made his way back… flew to Detroit, drove down with his family for yesterday, and now he is back in Detroit and will be here tomorrow.” Hinch also emphasized Baez’s continuous communication with the team during his recovery.

Baez’s presence in the clubhouse is highly valued for both his experience and support. “It really is awesome having him around right now, just, for one, because of the experience he has in moments like this, but then also, you know, he just picks up the vibe of everybody, and everybody loves him,” Vierling added.

Meanwhile, the Tigers are focused on strategizing for Game 3. Manager Hinch has not yet announced the starting pitcher, stating that discussions with pitching coach Chris Fetter and the coaching team are ongoing. The decision is crucial as it will impact player availability for subsequent games.

Cleveland’s Steven Kwan commented on the Tigers’ pitching strategy, noting, “We obviously gameplan for a starter… But with it being a new arm every time, it’s different.” However, he acknowledged some familiarity with the Tigers’ pitchers from previous matches, which might ease some of the challenge.