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Will Javier Báez be healthy for 2025 spring training? Here's why Detroit Tigers don't know
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- Will Javier Báez be healthy for 2025 spring training? Here's why Detroit Tigers don't know
Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez is scheduled to undergo right hip surgery Tuesday.
The Tigers don't know if Báez — sidelined for the remainder of the 2024 season — will be healthy in time for the beginning of spring training in 2025. There should eventually be clarity on the timeline for his recovery, but not until after the surgery is complete.
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It's right arthroscopic surgery, but it's unclear what surgeon is performing the surgery.
OUT FOR THE YEAR: Javier Báez injury: Tigers shortstop to undergo season-ending right hip surgery
Will Javier Báez be healthy for 2025 spring training? Here's why Detroit Tigers don't know
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The return-to-play timeline from hip arthroscopy is anywhere from 12 weeks to one year, according to Dr. Srino Bharam, a New York-based hip and groin preservation surgeon . The timeline depends on the severity of the injury and the type of procedure.
Báez could miss a large portion of the 2025 season.
Position players report to spring training in the third week of February.
"I don't know enough about all of it to comment on it," manager A.J. Hinch said when asked if Báez would be ready for spring training. "I know we'll know more once the doctor gives us his full review of the surgery and what that entails and what the rehab entails. I think the hope is certainly that, but until he gets the surgery done, and the doctor comments on what he sees and what he does, right now, I don't have any more information."
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In 2024, Báez hit .184 with six home runs, 12 walks and 69 strikeouts in 80 games, ending the season on the injured list with lumbar spine and hip inflammation. The 11th season of his MLB career was his third season as a member of the Tigers.
Báez, who signed a six-year, $140 million contract , is still owed $73 million from the Tigers across the 2025-27 seasons.
Alex Faedo out for the season
Right-handed reliever Alex Faedo will miss the remainder of the 2024 season with a right shoulder strain. He received a platelet-rich plasma injection to accelerate the healing of his shoulder.
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"He should have a healthy, normal offseason," Hinch said.
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The Tigers transferred Faedo to the 60-day injured list .
Faedo, 28, logged a 3.61 ERA with 28 walks and 55 strikeouts across 57⅓ innings in 37 games. He has suffered injuries in each of his three MLB seasons, with injuries to his right hip, right middle finger and right shoulder.
Reese Olson vs. Wenceel Pérez
Right-hander Reese Olson (right shoulder strain) and outfielder Wenceel Pérez (left oblique strain) will compete against each other in a live batting practice session before Saturday's game at Comerica Park.
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Pérez, a switch-hitter, is only allowed to swing from the left side .
It's not the first time Olson and Pérez have faced each other, with a few matchups in spring training. Pérez, who is completing all baseball activities at this point in his recovery, said he has hit home runs off Olson in the past and hopes to add to the homer total in their latest clash.
Olson and Pérez could be cleared for rehab assignments with Triple-A Toledo — possibly playing in games as soon as Monday — upon completing the live batting practice session.
Both players remain on track to play MLB games for the Tigers in September.
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Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold .
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers don't know if Javier Báez will be ready in spring
