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Detroit Tigers' Javier Báez undergoes hip surgery, but too soon for timeline
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- Detroit Tigers' Javier Báez undergoes hip surgery, but too soon for timeline
Let the extensive recovery process begin.
Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez , still owed $73 million in 2025-27, underwent right hip arthroscopic surgery Tuesday. Dr. Thomas Lynch , the head team physician for the Detroit Lions, performed the hip surgery in Detroit.
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It's unclear when Báez will play in games again.
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Detroit Tigers infielder Javier Baez fields a ground ball against the San Francisco Giants during the second inning at Oracle Park on Aug. 10, 2024 in San Francisco.
The hope is that Báez — already ruled out for the rest of the 2024 season — will be ready for 2025 Opening Day on March 27 against the Dodgers in Los Angeles , but it's still too soon to know. The return-to-play timeline from hip arthroscopy is 12 weeks to 12 months , depending on several factors. A recovery of 12 weeks is Nov. 28, 2024, but a recovery of 12 months is Sept. 3, 2025.
Báez, 31, has been on the injured list since Aug. 23 with lumbar spine and hip inflammation . He landed on the injured list twice in 2024 with lumbar spine inflammation , a recurring lower back injury.
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In 2024, Báez hit .184 with six home runs, 12 walks and 69 strikeouts in 80 games, posting a career-worst .516 OPS. His performance has gotten worse in each of his three seasons with the Tigers , but he hit .214 with five homers (and a .785 OPS) in his final 17 games before season-ending surgery.
The Tigers signed Báez to a six-year, $140 million contract in December 2021.
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' Javier Báez undergoes hip surgery, no timeline yet
