Full Breakdown
Tigers Lose Starting Pitcher Casey Mize and Infielder Javier Báez to Injured List After Braves Loss
4/30/2026, 5:59:09 AM
Injury Fallout from Atlanta Series Opener
On April 29, 2026, the Detroit Tigers placed right-hander Casey Mize on 15-day injured list with an adductor strain and shortstop Javier Báez on 10-day list with an ankle sprain. The injuries occurred in the 5-2 loss to Atlanta; Mize exited in the third after groin tightness while fielding a grounder, and Báez was carted off after a slide that folded his foot.
Key Statistics
Mize was 2-2 with a 2.90 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 35 K in 31 IP. Báez had 2 HR, 6 RBI and a .256 average in 82 PA. De Jesus posted a 10.13 ERA and Jung hit .222.
Official Statements & Responses
Manager A.J. Hinch called Mize’s injury a Grade 1 strain, saying team was optimistic but a start within four days impossible. He described Báez’s ankle sprain as “pretty significant” and urged a full recovery. Mize said his tests were positive and he felt good. Twitter confirmed the IL moves.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We did some tests between innings and felt good enough to go back out there, but it just never really went away.” — Casey Mize, pitcher
- “We got probably the most optimistic news we can get on Casey, that it's Grade 1,” — A.J. Hinch, manager
- “Báez has a pretty significant sprain. I don’t know what that means in terms of a timeline, but he was clearly not able to play today or the coming days.” — A.J. Hinch, manager
- “I feel pretty good about things, as good as you can. The tests we've done so far seem pretty positive,” — Casey Mize, pitcher
Roster Adjustments
Detroit promoted De Jesus and Jung from Triple-A Toledo. De Jesus posted a 10.13 ERA in six games; Jung hit .222. With Báez out, Kevin McGonigle is the only shortstop on the 40-man roster; Zach McKinstry began a rehab assignment.
Impact on Rotation and Playoff Push
Losing a starter and an infielder compresses Detroit’s depth, forcing reliance on Skubal, Valdez and Flaherty, and a bullpen start against Texas. Infield depth pressures the AL Central race.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Mize’s injury is described as a ‘right adductor strain,’ ‘right groin strain,’ or ‘Grade 1 groin.’ Báez’s condition is called a ‘right ankle sprain’ and a ‘severe ankle sprain.’ Return dates range from ‘mid-May’ to May 14, and rotation replacements include bullpen starters, Drew Anderson or Sawyer Gipson-Long.
Upcoming Plans
Detroit faces the Texas Rangers on Sunday, likely with a bullpen starter. Justin Verlander may need a rehab start before returning. Zach McKinstry begins a low-A Lakeland rehab next week. The club hopes Mize and Báez return by mid-May for series against the New York Mets or Toronto Blue Jays.
