LAKELAND, Fla. -- The sight of Javier Báez taking a throw off his helmet on Wednesday was one of the most surprising moments of Tigers camp in this Spring Training. Then came Thursday, and the sight of B芍ez 每 Detroit＊s shortstop for most of the past three seasons 每 starting at third base.
It marked his first game at third base since 2019, when he started one game there for the Cubs. It＊s his first game anywhere other than shortstop or DH since his late-season stint as Mets second baseman in 2021.
It＊s not a transition, manager A.J. Hinch said, more of an addition.
※There＊s just a scenario that comes into play where Trey [Sweeney] and Javy are both in the lineup, whether that＊s starting the game or whether that＊s an in-game move,§ Hinch said. ※So, how are we going to do it? Javy has done this before. He was one of the premier players moving around when he first broke in. And so, I want to give him a few reps. ＃
※Anything can happen during the season in the way that we＊re creative with our roster. So I think obviously we＊re trying to prepare for anything, and we＊re trying to get the first rep in a relatively benign environment.§
It would seem to be a strong indication of Trey Sweeney making the Tigers＊ Opening Day roster and maybe even becoming the primary shortstop, after he filled in admirably for an injured B芍ez down the stretch last season and into the playoffs. The Tigers have not used Sweeney at other positions, though they haven＊t necessarily ruled it out.
B芍ez deftly handled a Paul Goldschmidt bouncer for an out in the second inning, reading a tricky bounce well. He was less effective a couple innings later on Austin Wells＊ grounder to his right, booting it for an error ahead of a Jasson Dom赤nguez homer for an unearned run off Jackson Jobe.
B芍ez indicated before the game that he＊s fine with the move, something Hinch discussed with him to make sure before going ahead. It keeps him in the lineup, which allows him to make an impact, as he did with his 109.3 mph RBI double that one-hopped the left-field wall Thursday off Yankees reliever Fernando Cruz.
Wenceel update
As expected, Wenceel P谷rez was out of Thursday＊s lineup as he continued to deal with lower back tightness. He will not make the trip to Bradenton for Friday night＊s game against the Pirates, either.
※No alarm bells,§ said Hinch, who pointed to Friday＊s upcoming injury report for further updates.
P谷rez 每 who hasn＊t played in a game since March 2 每 could return to action this weekend, but the Tigers face a tricky stretch for bringing him back. Friday begins a stretch of four road games in six days, including a two-game overnight trip to Fort Myers next Tuesday and Wednesday. Sending P谷rez on a bus trip with lower back issues might not be how the Tigers want to re-introduce him to game action. On the other hand, the Tigers want to give him more reps in center field before the season begins.
An easier plan might involve bringing P谷rez along in camp games on the back fields on days when the team is on the road.
With P谷rez out, Riley Greene made his second consecutive start in center. He made a running grab at the fence on a 413-foot drive to near-straightaway center by Cody Bellinger.
Rotation update
While the competition continues for the final two spots in Detroit＊s rotation, Kenta Maeda will make his next appearance Saturday against the Phillies in relief of starter Tarik Skubal. Maeda gave up five runs over four innings in his last start, Monday against the Yankees, including three first-inning home runs.
Tigers bring back Horn
The Tigers re-acquired lefty reliever Bailey Horn from the Cardinals on Thursday for cash considerations, continuing a transaction cycle that has sent Horn around organizations since the offseason.
Detroit claimed Horn off waivers from Boston last November after the Red Sox designated him for assignment. The Tigers then DFA＊ed him a month later to make room for free-agent signing Gleyber Torres.
The Cardinals claimed Horn off waivers from the Tigers in January but designated him for assignment Thursday to make room for free-agent signing Phil Maton. The Tigers moved quickly to bring him back.