In a matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats, Javier Báez stepped up big for the Detroit Tigers against the Cleveland Guardians late Tuesday night. The shortstop, who's been turning heads all season, smacked a two-run double in the seventh inning to break a 1-1 tie, propelling Detroit to a 4-2 victory at Comerica Park. It was one of those moments that reminded everyone why the Tigers shelled out $140 million for him back in 2022—flashes of brilliance amid the inconsistencies.
However, the game wasn't without its drama. Báez, playing center field in a shift from his usual infield spot, misplayed a fly ball early on, allowing Cleveland's José Ramírez to score and tie things up. Critics have pointed to such lapses as part of Báez's uneven 2025 campaign, where he's hit .285 with 18 homers but still battles a high strikeout rate hovering around 25 percent. Yet, there he was, redeeming himself with that timely hit off Guardians reliever Emmanuel Clase, who's been nearly unhittable this year.
The Tigers, now 92-68 and firmly in playoff contention, leaned on starter Tarik Skubal's seven strong innings, striking out nine while allowing just one run. Cleveland, clinging to the AL Central lead at 95-65, saw their bullpen falter again—the fourth time in six games they've blown a late lead. Báez's performance bumped his OPS to .785, a solid rebound from his dismal .222 mark in 2024 that had many questioning his future in Detroit.
Indeed, manager A.J. Hinch praised Báez post-game, calling him "the spark we needed." But whispers in the clubhouse suggest the front office is still weighing options for next season, given Báez's injury history and that hefty contract. Moreover, with the postseason looming, these divisional clashes could define Detroit's wildcard fate.
As the Tigers head into the final stretch, one can't help but wonder if Báez's resurgence is the real deal or just another fleeting highlight in a checkered career.