Full Breakdown
Tigers Suffer Dual Injuries in 5-2 Loss to Braves
4/29/2026, 9:38:05 PM
Injuries
On Tuesday, April 29, 2026, the Tigers lost 5-2 to the Braves at Truist Park. Starter Casey Mize left in the third with right-groin tightness after 34 pitches (2 1/3 innings); reliever Brant Hurter allowed a sacrifice fly that charged a run to Mize. In the fifth, center fielder Javier Báez slid feet-first into first, his right foot caught in the dirt, and he was carted off with a foot/ankle injury. Both will have imaging; Báez has an MRI Wednesday.
Context
Mize entered with a 2.90 ERA and was an All-Star last season (14-6, 3.86 ERA). Báez, a three-time All-Star who helped the Cubs win the 2016 World Series, signed a six-year, $140 million deal in 2021 but is hitting .263 with .695 OPS and two homers in 23 games. The Tigers are 15-14 overall, atop the AL Central.
Stats
- Mize: 34 pitches, 3 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk, 3 K; ERA 2.90.
- Báez: .263 avg, 20 hits, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 10 runs, 1 SB; OPS .695.
Official & Impact
Mize said his groin felt a “gradual tightening,” Báez said X-rays showed improvement and he awaits an MRI, and manager A.J. Hinch called the video “scary,” insisting Báez be checked. Mize’s exit removes a reliable starter; Báez’s loss deprives Detroit of a regular center-field presence.
Criticism
Analysts called Báez’s tenure “underwhelming” given his $140 million contract, noting OPS fell from .752 mid-season to .548 later, questioning his value to Detroit.
Conflicts
Sources differ on whether Mize’s groin tightness was right or left. Báez’s injury is described as a foot, ankle or knee problem. Reports also conflict on the Tigers’ recent streak, citing both a five-game losing run and a six-game winning run. The exact severity and recovery timeline remain unknown pending imaging.
Quotes
- “It was kind of a gradual tightening.” — Casey Mize, Starting Pitcher, Detroit Tigers
- “I got a little treatment. I [got] X-rays. I feel much better [now] than when it happened. We are set up to get an MRI [on Wednesday] and see what's going to happen.” — Javier Báez, Center Fielder, Detroit Tigers
- “When I saw the video, that one looked scary. I don’t know the severity of that one either. [Baez has] got to get checked out.” — A.J. Hinch, Manager, Detroit Tigers
- “Javier Báez was carted off the field after awkwardly sliding into first base. Get well soon El Mago ??” — @CubsZone, Twitter user
Next
Detroit will reassess Mize’s groin before his next start and monitor Báez’s MRI to decide on IL placement; the club recently placed pitcher Connor Seabold on the 15-day injured list, indicating further roster adjustments may follow.
