Javier Báez
Breakdown
Performance
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April 6, 2026
On bench again Monday
Baez is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Twins.
Analysis
Baez will hit the bench for the fourth time in eight games, with all of his absences coming against right-handed pitching. He appears to have fallen into an indirect timeshare with Zack McKinstry, who has been seeing time in right field and second base while Kevin McGonigle covers shortstop when Baez is out of the lineup. Baez is holding down a lowly .200/.227/.200 slash line over 22 plate appearances to begin the season, and he could see his playing time dwindle further if he's unable to stage a dramatic turnaround.
April 4, 2026
Sitting Saturday
Baez isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Cardinals, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.
Analysis
Baez will take a seat after going 2-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base in Friday's win. His absence will allow Kevin McGonigle to start at shortstop with Colt Keith at third base.
April 4, 2026
Swipes first bag in win
Baez went 2-for-3 with a stolen base and an RBI in Friday's 4-0 win over the Cardinals.
Analysis
Baez started at shortstop and batted ninth, with red-hot rookie Kevin McGonigle covering third and batting leadoff. McGonigle has certainly hit the ground running in his MLB debut and will play short frequently, so Baez will likely need to settle into more of a utility role. So far, the veteran has only seen time at short and second base, but he remains an option to play at third as well as in the outfield. Baez has yet to really get going in 2026, as he's sporting a .513 OPS with no home runs and the single stolen base through five games.
March 31, 2026
Stepping out of lineup
Baez isn't in the lineup for Tuesday's game versus the Diamondbacks.
Analysis
Baez will stay put in Detroit's dugout to begin Tuesday's festivities while Kevin McGonigle gets the nod at shortstop and Colt Keith starts at the hot corner.