Javier Báez is finally showing signs of the player the Detroit Tigers hoped to sign when they inked him to a six-year, $140 million deal. After struggling mightily in 2024, hitting just .184, Báez has made significant adjustments to his swing and approach in 2025, which have resulted in a .296 batting average, the second-best on the team. Despite not showcasing his former power, he hit a grand slam against the Houston Astros, indicating a potential return to form.

Báez's improvement has been accompanied by a decrease in his O-swing rate, showing greater selectivity at the plate. While he’s still not back to his All-Star caliber, he’s been an asset defensively, playing multiple positions and ranking highly in fielding metrics. Currently, only two Tigers players have a higher WAR than Báez, hinting that his resurgence might be a pivotal factor for the team this season.

Javier Báez's grand slam and Colt Keith's two-run homer led the Detroit Tigers to a 7-4 victory against the Houston Astros, preventing a series sweep. After the Astros opened scoring with Jeremy Peña's leadoff homer, the Tigers answered with Keith's two-run shot in the second inning. Báez then delivered a grand slam in the third, giving the Tigers a commanding lead. Though Jackson Jobe faced challenges, particularly in the fifth inning, the bullpen managed to secure the win for Detroit, which is now 19-12 for the season.

Jobe, back after a 12-day absence, struggled initially by allowing a home run on his first pitch but then found his rhythm. He completed four innings, giving up three runs, with the bullpen holding strong to seal the victory against a formidable Astros lineup. The Tigers avoided a sweep, showcasing their offensive depth and resilience in a key win.

In a dominant display, Tarik Skubal led the Detroit Tigers to a 7-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles, completing a three-game sweep. Skubal struck out 11 batters across six scoreless innings, showcasing his impressive skill and lowering his ERA to 2.34. The Tigers' offense provided strong support, with Gleyber Torres and Javier Baez combining for five RBIs. Baez delivered a two-run double in the second inning and scored twice, while Torres's two-RBI double in the seventh solidified the win.

Skubal's performance, including striking out five of the first seven batters, set a commanding tone early on. The Tigers also benefited from solid pitching from Sean Guenther and Kenta Maeda, who contributed to the scoreless innings following Skubal's exit. This victory marks the Tigers' fourth consecutive win and enhances their record to 18-10, the best in the AL.

Spencer Torkelson powered the Detroit Tigers to a 4-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles with his eighth home run of the season. The Tigers demonstrated their prowess at home, improving to an impressive 11-3 record. Meanwhile, the Orioles have struggled recently, losing four of their last five games and failing to capitalize with runners in scoring position, going just 1 for 8.

Casey Mize pitched effectively, allowing only one run and striking out five in 5 1/3 innings, while Will Vest secured his third save after coming in late in the game. Javier Báez contributed significantly, going 3 for 4 and hitting an RBI double that helped the Tigers take an early lead. The game also featured a remarkable defensive play from Riley Greene, who stole a home run from Ramón Laureano, showcasing the Tigers' defensive capabilities alongside their offensive firepower.

The Detroit Tigers have made a significant roster adjustment, calling up Jace Jung while shifting Javier Báez to center field for the first time in his career, replacing Ryan Kreidler, who has struggled offensively. Manager A.J. Hinch emphasized the necessity of flexibility and adaptability in the lineup, particularly as the team copes with injuries. Báez is eager to embrace this new role. Jung's promotion comes amid a notable performance in Triple-A, and his addition is expected to bolster the team's left-handed batting presence.