The Tigers introduced that outfielder Akil Baddoo underwent surgical procedure to deal with a hamate hook fracture in his proper hand yesterday. The membership didn’t present a return-to-play timeline however such procedures normally require a shutdown interval of 4 to eight weeks.
Baddoo, 26, got here into camp as a non-roster depth outfielder. The Tigers handed him by waivers unclaimed in December, so he not had a spot on the 40-man roster. The truth that he misplaced his roster spot and no different membership claimed him is a testomony to his current struggles. He had an amazing 2021 season however wasn’t in a position to preserve his efficiency going within the subsequent three seasons.
Going into 2021, the Tigers plucked Baddoo from the Twins within the 2020 Rule 5 draft, and he hit the bottom working that yr. He bought into 124 video games for the Tigers, hitting 13 residence runs and slashing .259/.330/.436 for a 108 wRC+. He additionally stole 18 bases and performed all three outfield positions.
Since that was simply his age-22 season, it appeared just like the Tigers had snagged a pleasant long-term piece for his or her outfield. Nonetheless, Baddoo has hit simply .203/.292/.328 for a 76 wRC+ over the previous three seasons. He has been surpassed on the depth chart by different outfielders and been bumped down right into a depth function. He spent most of 2024 on elective project, moving into 82 Triple-A video games and hitting .238/.340/.418 at that degree for a 98 wRC+. As talked about, he was got rid of the 40-man roster a few months in the past.
Going into the season, the Tigers undertaking to have Riley Greene and Parker Meadows in two outfield spots. Matt Vierling will seemingly be in one other, although it’s doable he finally ends up at third base if prospect Jace Jung struggles. Kerry Carpenter will undoubtedly see a while within the outfield as nicely, although he initiatives as a frequent designated hitter, no less than towards right-handed pitching.
Justyn-Henry Malloy and Wenceel Pérez could possibly be within the combine but additionally have minor league choices remaining, which means they could possibly be ticketed for normal enjoying time in Triple-A. Andy Ibáñez and Zach McKinstry will seemingly be in utility roles on the main league degree.
Gamers like Jahmai Jones, Bligh Madris and Baddoo gave the Tigers some additional depth within the non-roster division, however Baddoo shall be subtracted from that group for some time. He’ll seemingly be shut down till late March/early April. At that time, he’ll successfully must restart spring coaching to get into sport form, which means he might not be a sensible possibility for the Tigers till Might.
