Javier Baez hits reviewed walk-off single in Tigers debut

Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez (28) hits a walk-off RBI game-winner against the Chicago White Sox. Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Javier Baez delivers reviewed walk-off single in Tigers debut, win over White Sox

By Zac Wassink | Last updated Apr 8, 2022 6:28 PM ET

Two-time All-Star Javier Baez joined the Detroit Tigers when he signed a six-year deal reportedly worth $140 million before the start of the lockout this past fall.

Baez didn't have to wait long to begin earning his paychecks.

As noted by The Associated Press (h/t ESPN) and the MLB website, Baez made his way to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning of Friday's regular-season opener versus the Chicago White Sox with the score tied at 4-4 and a runner on third base. The 29-year-old drove a pitch delivered by Chicago's Liam Hendriks deep toward the right-field wall, where AJ Pollock appeared to make an inning-ending catch after he first bobbled the ball:

After further review ... a Javy #walkoff winner!

Powered by @Mitel pic.twitter.com/DFkabBIhNQ
— MLB (@MLB) April 8, 2022

However, the play went to video review, and replays showed the ball clearly hit the wall before Pollock could complete the act of a catch. Even before the call was officially overturned, Detroit players exited the dugout to celebrate the club's first walk-off win of the season:

On pace to go 162-0. pic.twitter.com/1mg6cTmB8K
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) April 8, 2022

Press play.
Turn the sound up.
Receive serotonin.
Thank us later. pic.twitter.com/irkSCjVKHc
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) April 8, 2022

Comerica Park witnessed dramatics even before Baez's at-bat, as Eric Haase tied the game with a solo home run earlier in the frame:

Burning Down the Haase pic.twitter.com/LbB7opQgBz
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) April 8, 2022

Detroit hosts Chicago again on Saturday afternoon.

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

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