Detroit Tigers Announce Javier Baez Decision on Monday

The Detroit Tigers posted their batting order Monday ahead of the series opener against the Minnesota Twins, and veteran infielder Javier Baez was not in it.

Baez had started the previous game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, hitting ninth. He went 0-for-3 in that contest as Detroit dropped the decision and looked to reset against a Central Division opponent.

Kevin McGonigle will play shortstop in Baez’s place. The rest of the order lists Gleyber Torres at second base, Colt Keith as the designated hitter, Dillon Dingler behind the plate, Ben Callahan in left field, Zach McKinstry in right, Spencer Torkelson at first, Max Clark in center and Hao-Yu Lee at third.

The change comes as the Tigers try to start the Twins series on a winning note. Detroit has been searching for more consistent production from several spots in the lineup after a quiet night at the plate in its most recent outing.

Baez has played in 46 games this season. He has two home runs, 14 RBIs and a .255 batting average. Those numbers sit below the pace he set a year ago.

In 2025 Baez appeared in 126 games for Detroit. He finished that season with 12 home runs, 57 RBIs and a .257 average while earning an All-Star nod.

Tigers officials have not issued a lengthy public explanation for the one-game absence. Lineup cards often shift based on matchups, rest and recent results, and Baez’s last start produced no hits.

McGonigle’s insertion at shortstop gives the club a different look on the left side of the infield. The Tigers have mixed and matched their infield combinations throughout the year as they evaluate options.

Detroit entered the series hoping to climb in the American League Central standings. Every game against a division rival carries extra weight this late in the summer.

Baez has shown flashes of his old form at times this season even if the overall numbers have been modest. When he returns to the starting nine, the club will look for him to provide the kind of contact and defense that defined earlier stretches of his Tigers tenure.

The series opener marks the first of several games against Minnesota. Both clubs will try to seize early momentum before the schedule turns toward September.

Torkelson anchors first base after a stretch of mixed results. Clark patrols center field as one of the younger pieces Detroit has featured regularly.

Callahan and McKinstry occupy the corner outfield spots in this particular alignment. Dingler handles catching duties behind the plate.

Keith bats second as the designated hitter, a role he has filled on various nights. Torres leads off at second base, giving the Tigers an experienced presence at the top.

Lee takes third base in the listed order. The Tigers have used several players at the hot corner depending on the opponent and the day.

Baez’s absence for one game does not appear to signal a longer-term move based on the information released with the lineup. Utility players often sit for a night and return the next day.

The Tigers will monitor how the new combination performs against Twins pitching. Early results in the series could influence later lineup decisions.

Detroit’s recent loss to the Dodgers left the club looking for a rebound. Starting the Twins series without Baez in the nine-man lineup is the first visible adjustment.

Once Baez is back in the order, he will try to contribute both at the plate and in the field as Detroit pushes to improve its standing in the division. The Tigers still have games left to play and opportunities to generate more offense.