Tigers' Javier Báez cracks three doubles in Triple-A rehab start

El Mago is getting closer to a return to Comerica Park.

Detroit Tigers shortstop/center fielder Javier Báez is inching closer to a return from the 60-day injured list as he works through the Tigers’ minor league system on a rehabilitation assignment. Báez has been on the IL since April 29 with an ankle injury.

Báez went three-for-four with three doubles, an RBI and a run scored on Saturday, July 25 in Triple-A Toledo’s 9-4 win over the Louisville Bats. Playing at shortstop, Báez did not see any action in the field, but got plenty of running in thanks to a strong night at the plate.

He played the first six innings before being substituted as he works to rebuild the stamina necessary for the day-to-day grind.

“After last night, it makes you wonder [if he’s ready],” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said before Sunday’s series finale against the Kansas City Royals. “I think the volume of the game is really the trick.”

Báez had a clean medical report after, Hinch said. He will move from shortstop to center field on Sunday as he gets closer to playing a full game.

On top of being excited to add his talent back to the major league roster, Hinch believes his presence in the clubhouse will boost the team’s overall vibe.

“I love Javy and I always have,” Hinch said. “It is somebody that we have missed just day-to-day. We probably underestimate how much time we spend together and how much fun it is to be around him.”
nearing promotion to Triple-A in rehab stint

Detroit Tigers right-handed starting pitcher Jackson Jobe also had a positive step in his rehabilitation process Saturday. Jobe threw 54 pitches across four innings with Double-A Erie, giving up one run with four strikeouts.

Jobe has been out for over 12 months as he recovers from a Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow.

“He did get to the volume we had hoped,” Hinch said. “Maybe a little less on the pitches, but on the innings. Which is the bounce back that you are looking for. Is the stuff staying the same? Is he able to hold it? Is he fatiguing?”

Jobe will briefly join the Tigers in Detroit on Monday ahead of the series opener against the Baltimore Orioles. Jobe will check in with the team doctors and throw a bullpen session in front of pitching coaches Chris Fetter, Robin Lund and Juan Nieves.

Hinch said that after throwing a bullpen for the MLB pitching coaches, Jobe will likely move from Erie to Triple-A Toledo for his next rehab start.

“He’s going to be with us during this Baltimore series and then we are anticipating moving him up a level to Triple-A for his next outing,” Hinch said. “So, don’t confuse his arrival here with anything other than his work between now and I believe Toledo’s going to be in Columbus.”
still receiving medical opinions

Right-handed starter Jack Flaherty is still gathering opinions on his right flexor tendon inflammation, which landed him on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday.

Hinch said Flaherty is going to different doctors to gather multiple opinions. From there, the team will gather the opinions and determine the best route forward for his return.

“We are going to eventually get those together and make a more definitive plan,” Hinch said. “But we can’t really start until we truly get to the bottom of this injury.”

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Tigers’ Javier Báez cracks three doubles in Triple-A rehab start