Detroit Tigers’ Javier Báez (thumb) to 10-day injured list

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Detroit Tigers positioned shortstop Javier Báez on the 10-day injured checklist Saturday.

He has missed 4 video games in a row on account of his swollen proper thumb and was already slated to overlook his fifth sport, Sunday’s collection finale towards the Kansas Metropolis Royals at Kauffman Stadium.

The Tigers deliberate to re-evaluate Báez following Monday’s off day, however realizing he would possible miss the start of the New York Yankees collection — Tuesday via Thursday — they despatched him to the injured checklist, retroactive to April 13.

“The extra he is sore, the extra it offers me pause to place him again in there,” Tigers supervisor A.J. Hinch mentioned Saturday, earlier than Báez went to the IL. “Takes one swing to blow this factor again as much as the place we have been 4, 5 days in the past. It is actually difficult with thumbs.

“(Royals starter Kris) Bubic goes to throw a ton of cutters right now, and I can put him on the market and make all people really feel higher on the entrance of the day, however one swing can take us again 10 days. That is not a comforting feeling.”

Báez initially jammed his thumb celebrating his Opening Day walk-off single towards the Chicago White Sox, then he jammed his thumb once more Tuesday towards the Boston Crimson Sox and hasn’t performed since.

The 29-year-old is hitting .316 (6-for-19) with one double, one dwelling run, 4 RBIs, one stroll and 4 strikeouts in 5 video games. He signed a six-year, $140 million contract in December.

Casey Mize exhibits ‘good signal’ on Day 2

The Tigers put right-hander Casey Mize on the 10-day injured checklist Friday with a proper elbow sprain. The preliminary analysis revealed a medial collateral ligament sprain in his elbow.

Mize felt elbow soreness when he wakened Friday morning.

“He is not feeling as sore right now as he was yesterday, which is an efficient signal,” Hinch mentioned. “When you may match scientific with movie, that is fairly good. However I do not know what which means for the subsequent foreseeable seven to 10 days. He’ll begin his remedy.”

The 24-year-old has already consulted with quite a few medical doctors. In two begins this season, Mize has a 5.40 ERA with two walks and 4 strikeouts in 10 innings. He allowed two runs on six hits and two walks throughout 5 innings in Saturday’s begin towards the Royals.

Mize will miss no less than one begin.

“It is irritating for him as a result of he labored so arduous to be prepared,” Hinch mentioned. “He was one of many pitchers that gave us a regimented program on what he did in the course of the lockout for the whole time. He is very disciplined together with his routine. For him to return up injured, it appears fairly unfair. He was probably the most ready of any of our guys. Obtained a little bit unfortunate.”

Michael Pineda coming

To fill Mize’s void, right-hander Michael Pineda is skipping Sunday’s scheduled begin for Triple-A Toledo. He was alleged to make a closing tune-up earlier than getting into the Tigers’ rotation.

Pineda is a probable candidate to start out Wednesday, contemplating Mize was lined as much as pitch that day towards the Yankees. The 33-year-old will throw a bullpen Monday in preparation for Wednesday’s potential begin.

The Tigers nonetheless want so as to add Pineda, who signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract in March, to the energetic roster. He had a 5.68 ERA with two walks and 4 strikeouts in two spring training-like outings for the Mud Hens.

Andrew Chafin’s bullpen

Left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin landed on the 10-day injured checklist April 6, retroactive to April 4, with a left groin pressure. The 31-year-old tossed a 30-pitch bullpen Friday in Lakeland, Florida.

“He reported no points,” Hinch mentioned. “Now we received to get to a reside batting apply, after which we’ll get him right into a sport. Similar to spring coaching mode. … As soon as he conquers that, I am anticipating an inning in A-ball for his first outing, then he’ll get to Triple-A. He won’t be with us for the Yankees collection.”

Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or comply with him on Twitter @EvanPetzold. Learn extra on the Detroit Tigers and join our Tigers publication.