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Javier Baez’s season-ending injury could be long-term issue?
Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez. Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Tigers have not gotten their money’s worth from shortstop Javy Baez, and things may be about to get even worse for them.

The Tigers announced last week that Baez will undergo season-ending arthroscopic knee surgery. One might presume at that point that Baez will be ready to go f or spring training, but that may not be the case after all.

According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers do not actually know if Baez will be healthy for next spring. Much will depend on the outcome of the surgery, but recovery timelines can vary from 12 weeks to a full year depending on the procedure. At this point, it is not clear who is performing the procedure or how significant it is, but the more extreme outcomes could certainly keep Baez sidelined into 2025.

The injury situation could only further complicate Baez’s future with the Tigers. Since signing a six-year, $140M deal with the team prior to the 2022 season, he has hit just .221 with 32 home runs. 2024 was his worst year yet, as he posted a .184 average with just six home runs.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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MLB

Unexpected slugger challenging Shohei Ohtani for NL MVP

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Dallas Stars lock up one of the league's best players with massive extension today in hockey history
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The Dallas Stars have had many defining moments in their history, but few symbolize loyalty and leadership like Mike Modano's contract extension in the early 2000s. On August 21, 2003, the Stars officially locked up their franchise icon with an extension that cemented his role as the face of hockey in Texas. The move wasn't just about keeping a superstar forward, it was about keeping the identity of the Stars firmly tied to one of the most respected players in the game. Mike Modano's extension showed his loyalty and lasting impact on the Dallas Stars At the time, speculation lingered about whether Modano might test the waters elsewhere. Instead, he reaffirmed his commitment to Dallas, the franchise that had drafted him first overall back in 1988 when they were still the Minnesota North Stars. "This team, this city, it means everything to me. Staying here was the only choice that felt right," Modano said during the press conference announcing the deal. Those words resonated with fans, as his decision represented stability during an era when star players often left in search of bigger contracts. The extension also ensured that Modano would continue climbing the NHL record books in a Stars uniform. He went on to become the all-time American-born leader in goals and points, a record that defined his Hall of Fame career. Looking back, the August 21 signing stands as a cornerstone moment in Dallas Stars history. I think it was one of the smartest moves the franchise ever made, keeping Modano in green not only secured wins on the ice but also preserved a legacy that still inspires players today.

Browns have major injury concern on offense after starter exits game
NFL

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The Cleveland Browns have a big concern on Saturday following an injury to a key part of the offensive line. The Browns played their starters against the Los Angeles Rams as a tune-up before the regular season. Per the NFL's website, center Ethan Pocic was ruled out of Saturday's game against the Rams when he suffered a knee injury. Via the NFL: "C Ethan Pocic suffered a knee injury against Los Angeles and will not return to the game. Pocic played eight snaps with starting quarterback Joe Flacco before exiting with his injury. Pocic was injured on a third-and-9 play in the first quarter when Rams defensive tackle Desjuan Johnson ran into his leg while he was engaged in a block on linebacker Brennan Jackson." Pocic's injury is a worry for the Browns ahead of their Week 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7. The 2017 second-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks is a leader on Cleveland's offensive line. He's been with the Browns since 2022. Pocic has appeared in 101 games and started in 84 during his first eight years in the league. The upcoming season is important for the 30-year-old, as he's in the final year of the three-year, $18 million deal he signed in 2023. When Pocic came out of the game, the Browns inserted Luke Wypler in at center. The 2023 sixth-round pick has played in just five games in his career and has made one start. Wypler missed all of 2024 with an ankle injury that required surgery.

Bengals' Joe Burrow puts NFL on notice amid Trey Hendrickson contract standoff
NFL

Bengals' Joe Burrow puts NFL on notice amid Trey Hendrickson contract standoff

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