The Detroit Tigers have been struggling on the road this season, but last night’s loss in the series opener to Atlanta may have been costly.
The Detroit Tigers have had a difficult time winning away from home this season, but the damage from last night’s series-opening defeat to the Atlanta Braves could be especially significant.
It’s not just that the Braves are one of the strongest teams in baseball, particularly at home, but because two key players starting pitcher Casey Mize and utility man Javier Báez did not finish the game.
If you blinked, you would have missed Mize’s exit in the third inning of his start, since nothing seemed obviously wrong to the casual viewer. Mize fielded a shallow hit, returned to the mound, and before you knew it, manager AJ Hinch was walking out to pull him. The Tigers later announced Mize was dealing with right groin tightness.
Báez’s injury was the complete opposite. Regardless of which team a fan was rooting for, the sight of a player writhing in pain on the ground was enough to make anyone hold their breath it’s never easy to witness.
Báez went down awkwardly at first base while running out a hit that was likely to result in an out. He hit the ground as soon as his foot touched the bag and had to be carted off the field under his own power.
Both players are scheduled for MRIs on Tuesday. After the game, Chris McCosky of the Detroit News reported that Báez was able to put weight on his ankle. According to McCosky, Báez said, “I don’t know how I didn’t break it, honestly,” suggesting he may have avoided a serious injury.
What Each Player Brings to the Tigers
Mize has clearly established himself as the team’s No. 2 starter behind Tarik Skubal, posting a 2.90 ERA with 35 strikeouts so far this season.
Báez provides the veteran presence at the plate that Detroit relies on, and his value goes beyond offense. He is defensively versatile, having logged considerable time in the outfield as well as at shortstop.
His flexibility is a major asset, and losing him would be a heavy blow to the team. If Mize is sidelined, another arm exits the starting rotation especially with Justin Verlander still on the injured list. Tuesday turned out to be a rough night for Detroit.
