Tigers' Javier Báez leaves game against Marlins after foul tip strikes near his left eye

MIAMI (AP) — Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez left Friday night's game against the Miami Marlins in the second inning after he fouled off a pitch that struck near his left eye.

Baez cleared concussion protocol, a Tigers spokesperson said after the Marlins' 8-2 win. He is listed as day-to-day.

Báez swung at a 90 mph changeup from Sandy Alcantara. The ball first deflected off the brim of his batting helmet before making contact near his left eye.

“It was right above his eyebrow. You could see it was starting to swell,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “He was conscious. He was talking. Wanted to stand up right away.”

Báez remained on the ground near home plate and was tended to by the Tigers training staff. He quickly reached his feet and left the game. Trey Sweeney completed the at-bat with a strikeout that was credited to Báez.

The 32-year-old Báez is in the fourth season of a six-year free agent contract with the Tigers. After hitting .184 in 80 games last season, he is hitting .257 and has 11 homers through 117 games in 2025, when he also made his first All-Star Game appearance as a Tiger.

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