The Detroit Tigers received some discouraging news regarding Javier Báez‘s recovery from a right ankle sprain.
According to Tigers beat reporter Jason Beck, Báez recently visited a specialist after his rehabilitation process stalled. Following the evaluation, the specialist recommended that the veteran infielder temporarily step away from rehab activities.
Báez has been sidelined since the end of April after suffering the ankle injury and had been working toward a return to Detroit’s lineup.
A.J. Hinch Provides Update
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch acknowledged that Báez’s recovery is taking longer than originally hoped.
“Javy is going to need some time off,” Hinch said. “He’s just not progressing very quickly, and right now rest is still part of the equation.”
The update suggests that Báez’s return remains uncertain, as the organization focuses on getting the ankle fully healthy before ramping up baseball activities again.
Another Blow for Injury-Plagued Tigers
The news comes at a difficult time for the Tigers, who have been battling injuries throughout the roster while enduring one of the toughest stretches of the season.
Detroit recently lost starting pitcher Casey Mize to the injured list and has also been without closer Kenley Jansen. While the club welcomed Gleyber Torres back to the lineup Monday, Báez’s setback serves as a reminder that the Tigers are still waiting on several key contributors.
For now, the focus shifts to rest and recovery, with no timetable announced for when Báez will resume his rehab program.
