What Happened To Javier Baez? A Deeper Look Into His Brutal Injury

Javier Baez established himself as one of the best infielders in the game with the Chicago Cubs. He also won the World Series with the Cubs in 2016. But Baez could not replicate the same level of production after signing a free agent deal with the Detroit Tigers ahead of the 2022 season. Yet he enjoyed a resurgent campaign last year, arguably his best in a Tigers uniform.

On Tuesday, Javier Baez suffered a nasty injury when the Detroit Tigers faced the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. The 33-year-old hit a soft grounder straight to Braves shortstop Mauricio Dubon in the top of the fifth inning. He tried to beat the high throw with a slide while avoiding contact with first baseman Matt Olson at the same time.

Unfortunately for Baez, the cleats on his right foot got stuck in the dirt momentarily, producing a jarring impact on the ankle and knee. He was immediately writhing on the ground in agony as trainer Kelly Rhodes and manager AJ Hinch arrived on the scene. After a long examination, the Tigers’ shortstop was carted off the field, although he did not require a stretcher.