Javier Báez and Jackson Jobe are on the cusp of rejoining the Tigers, potentially returning to the clubhouse as early as this week during the Orioles series. But hold up, while neither is fully ready for primetime yet, Báez is absolutely banging on that door. Manager Hinch himself said, with a grin, “If he comes tomorrow, he’s going to be in my office wanting to play. We might need to keep him under control.” That’s the kind of fire Báez brings, and after his Saturday night at Triple-A, you can see why.
Javy Is Absolutely On Fire, And It’s Going To Get Awkward
Look, Báez has been out since April 29 with an ankle injury, but he just went off for three doubles and played six innings at shortstop for Triple-A Toledo. Three doubles! After that kinda night, Hinch admitted, “After last night, it makes you wonder.” Still, the manager knows the “volume of the game” is tricky. We’ve seen it with Gleyber Torres, who’s back after a short rehab but is still working to get back to big-league speed, acting as DH in two of the last three games. Hinch is looking ahead, saying Báez is set to play center field Sunday with an off day Monday, but anticipates he’ll need more rehab games. He’s concerned about Báez’s “obliques, the hamstrings, the calves, everything” withstanding a full game.
But make no mistake, Báez’s return is massive. Hinch calls him an “energy-provider” with an “immense impact on our whole vibe,” someone who does “incredible things on the field” and can be moved all over. His presence is felt “from the minute he walks through the door.” Here’s the kicker though: this comeback is forcing a tough roster call. Báez will shuttle between shortstop and center field, which means either James Outman, who has zero minor-league options and would be designated for assignment, or rookie Ben Malgeri is suddenly vulnerable. Someone is likely getting bumped for Javy’s energy.
Jackson Jobe Is Looking Sharp After Tommy John
On the pitching side, Jackson Jobe is making serious strides back from Tommy John surgery. He just made his second rehab start for Double-A Erie and looked darn good. He went four efficient innings, giving up just two hits and a single run, striking out four with two walks, all on just 54 pitches, with 32 strikes. Hinch’s reports were “very favorable, positive and exciting.” The goal was volume, and Jobe delivered. Hinch noted the 54 pitches were “light for four innings,” but that’s “because he pitched well, and that’s good news.” You love to hear that bounce back.
Jobe’s next step is a rehab start with Triple-A Toledo. Before that, he’s expected back in Detroit this week during the Orioles series to get checked out by the medical staff and work with pitching coaches Chris Fetter, Robin Lund, and Juan Nieves. It’s a methodical approach, but so far, so good.
So what’s next? Báez is gonna keep pushing hard, especially if he has another monster day like Saturday, but the team’s gotta be smart about his full body readiness. Jobe is steadily making his way through the minors, showing that post-TJ stuff is still there. Both guys bringing their A-game could be a huge jolt, and everyone’s gonna be glued to their next moves.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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