Báez glad to be back at '100 percent' to begin the spring

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Javier Báez was eager to play on Friday afternoon. So eager, in fact, that he woke up early and drove from his Tampa home to TD Ballpark, joining new teammate Gleyber Torres, both of them beating the Tigers’ bus from Lakeland.

All things considered, Báez sees it as a success, although he was just 0-for-2 with a walk while serving as the designated hitter in a 10-7 defeat against the Blue Jays. Báez had his first competitive swings since his Aug. 22 injury, which resulted in his right hip surgery a few weeks later.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said the plan is for Báez to DH again on Saturday against the Phillies, take Sunday off, then return next week to his familiar on-field perch at shortstop.

“I felt good,’’ Báez said. “I ran 100 percent. I’ve been swinging 100 percent in batting practice and live [batting practice]. The rotation is there. I swung and missed a couple of balls and the back feels good.

“They say I’m moving better than before. So hopefully it’s like that [when I return to shortstop]. I’m going to keep working on my defense anyway, trying to get better.’’

Hinch said he was grateful to write Báez’s name in the Tiger lineup once again.

“Another healthy day for him,’’ Hinch said. “The walk at the end of the [fifth inning] was awesome. It was just fun to see him bouncing around the field and having the interaction in the dugout.

“The guy has worked really hard just to get back on the field and be able to participate, so it’s all great to see.’’

Báez, who batted just .184 with six home runs and 37 RBIs in 80 games last season, said there have been physical rigors, of course, but mental challenges were the most difficult hurdles.

“There has been a lot of patience to be honest,’’ Báez said. “I think I thought the rehab process was going to be a little faster. But it was a long five months. Just being patient was one of the keys to getting it right and getting 100 percent.’’

Báez, batting second in the lineup, swung at the first pitch by Blue Jays right-hander Chris Bassitt and grounded out to third base. Báez said he was intent on getting out quickly from the box and felt fine running to first. In the third, he struck out swinging against reliever Yariel Rodríguez after building a 3-0 count, then walked in the fifth against Ryan Boyer before being lifted for pinch-runner Eliezer Alfonzo.

Olson makes first spring appearance
Elsewhere, right-hander Reese Olson made his initial start of the spring, allowing two hits (solo homers by Daulton Varsho and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.) in two innings. Olson had two strikeouts and no walks.

Olson said his biggest challenges are consistency and staying healthy. He was 4-8 with a 3.53 ERA in 22 starts last season. But there was a huge difference between April (0-4, 3.18 ERA) and May (0.64 ERA in five starts). He was hampered by a right shoulder sprain in the second half.

He threw 21 strikes in Friday’s 29-pitch outing, working in his sinker and achieving the primary goal for his spring debut.

“Throwing strikes, getting ahead and trying to win those counts,’’ Olson said. “Made a couple of mistakes, but throwing strikes is key. There were a lot of times last year when I got in trouble, getting strike one, but then throwing two straight balls and being behind in the count.

“I feel like my body is good and the ball is jumping out a little bit better. I think I’m dialed in on the mechanical things I need to do and I’m back to moving how I was prior to the injury.’’

Hinch declared it a successful start for Olson.

“Good healthy form, good velocity and he bounced back after getting ambushed with a couple of home runs,’’ Hinch said. “The balls in the air were not kind to him, so I don’t blame him for going to [more sinkers].’’