For the Detroit Tigers, what has already become a lost season now carries an even more discouraging development: one of their key hitters appears unlikely to return anytime soon. Manager A.J. Hinch announced Tuesday that Javier Báez will consult a specialist regarding his right ankle injury, which has shown no signs of improvement.
Báez originally sprained the ankle on April 29 after an awkward slide into first base during a game against the Atlanta Braves. He was taken off the field on a cart and soon after placed on the injured list.
Hinch’s update is certainly troubling. Just recently, the 33-year-old seemed close to rejoining the lineup, reportedly progressing through hitting and running drills in hopes of boosting a Tigers team that has been a major disappointment this season. But following Hinch’s remarks, it’s fair to question whether Báez will play again in 2026 especially with Detroit sitting in last place in the AL Central at 21-33.
Through 24 games this season, Báez is batting .256/.280/.397 with two home runs, six RBIs, and a .677 OPS. He’s currently in the fifth year of a six-year, $140 million contract signed with the Tigers in December 2021, and he made his first All-Star appearance for Detroit in 2025.
Meanwhile, the Tigers recently ended an eight-game losing streak but remain without reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, who landed on the IL in early May for surgery to remove loose bodies from his left elbow. The 2026 campaign has been a nightmare for Detroit, which entered the year with World Series hopes after back-to-back playoff appearances. With Báez’s latest setback and Skubal still sidelined, the good times in the Motor City appear to have faded.
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