Javier Báez
YEARTEAMGABRHitsRBIDTHRBBSOSBCSEAVGOBPSLUG
2015Mariners23011000010000.3330.3330.333
2016Mariners289832456012201010.2450.2600.337
2017Mariners1425427313977231241414020010.2560.2920.435
2018Mariners145552591157622433151795030.2080.2290.442
2019Mariners160650821568746112925203200110.2400.2690.478
2020Mariners13858388149944633118145220120.2560.2780.504
2021Mariners42348501000110000.1470.1940.176
2022Mariners1385017211773130303417718040.2340.3030.439
2023Mariners1416510000040000.0620.0620.062
2024Mariners297691873122253120.2370.2750.382
2025Vigilantes15506733011141000.1400.1730.260
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 28 2025Baez is not in the Tigers' starting lineup against the Twins on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez will begin Saturday's game on the bench after going 1-for-10 over his last three starts. Zach McKinstry will start at shortstop and bat eighth.
Jun 24 2025Baez is not in the lineup for Tuesday's contest against the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Tigers will go with Trey Sweeney at shortstop in the series opener. It's a routine day off for Baez, who has heated back up lately with a 1.325 OPS and three homers in his last nine tilts.
Jun 19 2025Baez isn't in the lineup for the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Pirates, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez continued his recent hot streak by going 2-for-4 and a run in the first game of the twin bill, and he'll get a chance to catch his breath during the evening contest. While he rests, Trey Sweeney will start at shortstop and bat ninth for the Tigers.
Jun 17 2025Baez went 3-for-4 with two solo home runs in Tuesday's 7-3 win over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez continued his bounceback campaign as he recorded his second multi-homer game of the season and first since May 13. The veteran now has nine long balls total this year to go with a strong .798 OPS. By comparison, Baez had only six home runs during the 2024 regular season, and he finished with a career-worst .515 OPS. The 32-year-old might not be as electric as he was during his time with the Chicago Cubs when he first broke into the majors, but he has still recouped plenty of fantasy value so far in 2025.
Jun 13 2025Baez went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, a walk, two RBI and three runs scored in Friday's 11-5 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was a thorn in the Reds' side all game, falling a triple short of the cycle while homering for the first time since May 16. Though the 32-year-old entered Friday without an extra-base hit in June, he's now hit safely in nine of 11 games this month. He's slashing .284/.314/.443 with seven home runs, 33 RBI, 29 runs scored and one stolen base in what continues to be a surprisingly resurgent campaign.
Jun 11 2025Baez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Orioles, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though his playing time in the outfield has dried up following the recent returns of Wenceel Perez and Parker Meadows from the injured list, Baez has seen more work at shortstop of late while the struggling Trey Sweeney has started to get phased out of the lineup. Zach McKinstry will get the nod at shortstop Wednesday, but Baez drew the previous two starts at the position.
May 30 2025Baez is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's the second straight game Baez is on the bench as Wenceel Perez receives a third consecutive start in center field for Detroit. Baez appears to be falling back into more of a part-time role after serving as the Tigers' primary center fielder for most of May. The 32-year-old started the month with a 1.050 OPS in his first 11 games of May, but he's fallen into a 5-for-31 slump over the past couple weeks.
May 28 2025Baez is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Giants, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After posting a 1.128 OPS over a 16-game stretch from April 26 to May 16, Baez is batting .167 (5-for-30) over his past 10 contests. The veteran infielder has been operating as Detroit's primary center fielder, but he has more competition at the position after the activation of Wenceel Perez (back), who is making his second straight start in center Wednesday.
May 26 2025Baez was ejected from Monday's game against the Giants in the fifth inning after arguing balls and strikes with the home plate umpire, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez will finish Monday's contest 0-for-2 with a pair of strikeouts. Matt Vierling replaces Baez in center field. Baez is 20-for-73 (.274) with five home runs in May.
May 19 2025Baez is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez will cede his spot in the lineup to Akil Baddoo, who gets the nod in left field while Riley Greene shifts over to Baez's usual spot in center. The eventual returns of Matt Vierling (shoulder), Wenceel Perez (back) and Parker Meadows (arm) will make it tougher for Baez to see consistent playing time in the outfield, but the 32-year-old has certainly done his part thus far to continue seeing regular starts. Baez has maintained a .283/.309/.604 slash line thus far in May, and his .811 OPS on the season represents his best mark since 2021.
May 17 2025Baez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 5-4 win over the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez continued his strong recent play as he recorded his sixth home run of the season, all of which have come over his last 12 games. For the season, the veteran is now sporting an impressive .307 batting average and .855 OPS. By comparison, Baez batted just .184 during the 2024 regular season with a .515 OPS. The OPS was a new career low.
May 13 2025Baez went 2-for-4 with a walk, two home runs, three total runs scored and six RBI in Tuesday's 10-9 win over the Red Sox in extra innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez delivered a three-run shot in the sixth inning, and then picked a great time to record his first multi-homer game of the season. The veteran went deep with two runners on again in the bottom of the 11th, erasing a two-run deficit and sending the Tigers home with a win. After a disappointing 2024 campaign, Baez has been much improved in 2025, as he now has a .319 batting average and .870 OPS through 34 games. He's doing this while also getting used to playing center field for the first time in his career, making his offensive output that much more impressive.
May 10 2025Baez is not in Saturday's lineup against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez will sit for the second time in the last three games, though that isn't performance related. He's hit .351 with 14 RBI and 11 runs scored across his last 10 games, but Jace Jung will nevertheless enter the lineup and man third base.
May 8 2025Baez isn't in the lineup for the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After going 2-for-5 with an RBI and scoring a run during a 10-2 win in Game 1, Baez will get a chance to rest his legs during the final game of the day. Brewer Hicklen will start in center field instead, making his season debut while batting ninth.
May 7 2025Baez went 2-for-5 with a run and four RBI in an 8-6, extra-inning win over the Rockies on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Both of Baez's hits were singles, but they were plenty productive, as each plated a pair of runs. The veteran infielder/outfielder is in the midst of a red-hot stretch at the plate -- he's hit safely in eight straight games, notching multiple hits in five of those contests. During the hitting streak, Baez is batting a scorching .424 (12-for-33) with three homers, 14 RBI, 10 runs and a stolen base.
May 5 2025Baez went 2-for-4 with a double and four runs scored in Sunday's 13-1 win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After getting Saturday off for rest, Baez returned to action and extended his hitting streak to seven games while setting a new season best in runs scored. For the season, the veteran is now batting .309 with an .829 OPS through 28 contests. The move to center field has possibly rejuvenated Baez, as he's off to his best start since coming over to Detroit before the 2022 campaign.
May 3 2025Baez is not in the Tigers' starting lineup against the Angels on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez will begin Saturday's game in the dugout while Zach McKinstry, Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter man the outfield. Baez is in the midst of a five-game hitting streak, and over that span he has gone 7-for-20 (.350) with one stolen base, five runs scored, three home runs and nine RBI.
Apr 30 2025Baez went 1-for-4 with a grand slam in Wednesday's 7-4 win against the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 32-year-old capped the scoring for Detroit with a third-inning grand slam to extend the lead to 7-1, and those insurance runs proved pivotal since Houston rallied for three runs between the fifth and seventh frames. Baez has seen most of his action lately in center field and now has seven starts at the position since making his first start there April 21, and he's taken advantage of the consistent playing time with four doubles, a homer, seven RBI and a .360 average during that span.
Apr 21 2025Baez will start in center field and bat seventh in Monday's game versus the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has seen action in center field in three games this season with the Tigers, but this will be his first-ever start at any outfield position at the major-league level. He's expected to play the position frequently while Parker Meadows (shoulder) continues to recover, per Chris McCosky of The Detroit News.
Apr 13 2025Baez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez had started in each of the last six games -- three at shortstop, three at third base -- while going 7-for-21 with two doubles, two walks, two RBI and a run. Though Baez should start consistently against left-handed pitching and see semi-regular playing time against right-handers, Zach McKinstry and Trey Sweeney still appear to be ahead of him on the depth chart at those infield spots.
Apr 6 2025Baez went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI in Sunday's 4-3 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez is now 6-for-18 this season, and all six hits have come in a pair of three-hit performances. The veteran could use a little more consistency moving forward, though after seeing his average tumble to .184 during the 2024 regular season, the early 2025 results are at least a step in the right direction.
Mar 31 2025Baez went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI in Monday's 9-6 win versus the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez drew his first start at the hot corner since 2019 with the Cubs and made the most of his opportunity, producing his first three-hit game since May 18, 2024. The veteran infielder had a rough Grapefruit League, slashing .184/.279/.368 with a 4:9 BB:K across 43 plate appearances, so he will have to continue hitting like this performance to stay in the lineup.
Mar 25 2025With the Tigers dealing with a number of outfield injuries, Baez is an option to see more time in center field, including on Opening Day, Adrian Garro of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Detroit is currently down Matt Vierling (shoulder), Parker Meadows (arm) and Wenceel Perez (back), all of whom are natural center-field candidates. The Tigers did scoop up veteran Manuel Margot over the weekend, but president of baseball operations Scott Harris said that he views him as more of a corner outfielder, per Evan Woodbery of MLive.com. Baez has started to see time in center recently, and he may end up as the default option there, at least in the short term, though utility man Ryan Kreidler is also back in the mix after rejoining the MLB roster. While Baez has struggled in recent seasons, the potential addition of outfield eligibility could give him a small boost in fantasy leagues.
Mar 22 2025Baez is starting in center field and batting seventh in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has seen some time at third base this spring, where he hasn't seen regular-season action since 2019, and he'll now try out center, a position he's never played during the regular season in the majors. The Tigers appear to be preparing the veteran for more of a utility role in 2025, with Trey Sweeney in line to serve as the regular shortstop. Baez's already dwindling fantasy value will take a hit if he's not seeing consistent playing time.
Mar 17 2025With Trey Sweeney possibly in line to win the starting shortstop job to begin the regular season, per Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, Baez may have to settle for a bench role. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Sweeney hasn't been optioned to Triple-A yet, and if the 24-year-old sticks in the majors, the Tigers likely won't want him riding the pine instead of developing in the minors. That could push Baez into a reserve role, at least to start the season. The veteran has also been seeing time at third base this spring, which is perhaps a sign that he will see playing time there while Sweeney covers short. Baez struggled the past few years and his fantasy outlook isn't looking great heading into 2025, though he does have a chance to resurrect some value as a utility player.
Mar 13 2025Baez will start at third base and bat sixth in Thursday's Grapefruit League game versus the Yankees, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez hasn't played third base since 2019, when he started there one game. With Matt Vierling (shoulder) out, it's possible Baez sees some action at the hot corner versus lefties. He also remains in the mix for playing time at shortstop.
Mar 1 2025Baez (hip) said he's been running and swinging at 100% recently, Joey Johnston of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez underwent a right hip labral repair last September and has been ramping up slowly during the winter months. The veteran shortstop made his Grapefruit League debut Friday, and although he went 0-for-2 with a walk as the DH, he said afterward that he felt good. Baez could bounce back some in 2025 if he's fully healthy, but he may see a reduced role with the younger Trey Sweeney expected to see a lot of playing time at short.
Feb 27 2025Manager A.J. Hinch said that Baez (hip) will make his Grapefruit League debut Friday against the Blue Jays as the Tigers' designated hitter, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The hope is that he'll be ready to play the field next week. Baez underwent a right hip labral repair last September and has been a bit behind schedule early on in camp, but he is expected to be ready to go for Opening Day. The veteran infielder is likely in store for a reduced role this season with Trey Sweeney expected to serve as the Tigers' primary shortstop.
Feb 12 2025Baez (hip) is going through full hitting and defensive drills and is expected to be ready for Opening Day, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez continues to rehab after he underwent a right hip labral repair in September and will continue a running progression upon his arrival to camp. While the veteran shortstop is expected to be ready for Opening Day, his role on the Tigers is in flux, as Trey Sweeney is in line to serve as the club's primary shortstop.
Dec 9 2024Baez (hip) has initiated a running progression and is expected to start light defensive drills this week. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez is working his way back from the arthroscopic surgery he underwent on his right hip in early September. The 32-year-old is expected to have a role with the Tigers in 2025, but it's unclear if he'll be a lock to crack the starting lineup on a nightly basis. Baez will likely ramp his activity in the coming months and he has previously been described to have a "fighting chance" at being ready to go for Opening Day in late March according to Detroit's president of baseball operations Scott Harris.
Oct 14 2024Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris said Monday during the team's end-of-season media session that he expects Baez (hip) to participate in spring training and have a "fighting chance" to be ready for Opening Day, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez underwent season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his right hip in early September after dealing with a hip/back issue for much of the campaign. He slashed .184/.221/.294 in 2024 and has hit only .221/.262/.347 in his three seasons with the Tigers, but Harris expects the 31-year-old to have a role with the club in 2025. With three years and $73 million remaining on his contract, there wasn't much of a chance that the team was going to cut him loose at this point. Baez shouldn't be guaranteed anything in regards to playing time in 2025, although the hope is that, with better health, he could at least offer a solid glove at shortstop. Trey Sweeney was the Tigers' primary shortstop down the stretch of the regular season and playoffs and could have a leg up over Baez for the starting job there heading into spring training.
Aug 26 2024The Tigers transferred Baez (hip) from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day injured list Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Per Chris McCosky of The Detroit News, Baez will undergo season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his right hip next week. The veteran shortstop has missed time with hip and back problems this season, although the two injuries seem to be related. The surgery closes the book on another disappointing season for Baez, who finishes with a .516 OPS over 80 games. He is still owed $73 million through 2027. Trey Sweeney and Ryan Kreidler will handle shortstop for Detroit down the stretch.
Aug 23 2024The Tigers placed Baez on the 10-day injured list due to lumbar spine and hip inflammation Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez battled right hip discomfort earlier in August and he'll now require a stint on the IL with hip and lumbar spine swelling. Baez spent nearly a month on the injured list from June 11 to July 8 due to lumbar spine inflammation as well. It's unclear if the injury is viewed long term or if Baez should be back shortly after the minimum 10 days. Ryan Kreidler was recalled from Triple-A Toledo in a corresponding move.
Aug 21 2024Baez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez donned the Golden Sombrero in Tuesday's 3-1 loss, striking out in all four of his plate appearances, including with a runner on second base and two outs in the ninth inning. He now finds himself on the bench for the third time in five games, as he looks to have moved into a part-time role in the wake of shortstop prospect Trey Sweeney receiving a promotion to the big leagues. Baez owns a career-worst .514 OPS for the season and has turned in a .220/.262/.347 slash line (69 wRC+) since signing a six-year, $140 million contract with Detroit in November 2021.
Aug 15 2024Baez went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run in Thursday's 2-1 win over the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez put Detroit on the board in the eighth inning with his sixth home run of the year. While the six long balls would be his fewest in a season since 2015, the shortstop has gone deep twice in his last three games and five times over his last 16 contests. It's mostly been a lost season for Baez, but this recent power surge could at least prop up his fantasy value during the stretch run if he's able to keep it going.
Aug 14 2024Baez was scratched from the lineup Wednesday against the Mariners due to right hip discomfort, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer during Tuesday's contest, and it's unclear when he suffered the injury. The 31-year-old should be considered day-to-day until the team updates his status. Zach McKinstry is starting at shortstop Wednesday and will see more time there while Baez is banged up.
Aug 13 2024Baez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 15-1 win over the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez connected for his fifth home run of the season and first this month. It's been a huge struggle overall for the shortstop, as he's still batting just .182 with a .508 OPS after Tuesday's contest. The OPS would be a new career worst for Baez. The 31-year-old's six-year, $140 million contract, which was signed before the 2022 season, continues to look like a massive sunk cost for the Tigers, though it figures to keep Baez locked into a starting job for the immediate future.
Aug 11 2024Baez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez started the past two games after dealing with some neck soreness, but he'll exit the starting nine for Sunday's series finale in San Francisco. His .638 OPS through eight games in August is actually an improvement on his .499 OPS for the season. Zach McKinstry is starting at shortstop and batting seventh.
Aug 9 2024Baez (neck) went 1-for-3 with a double, a stolen base and a run scored in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez swiped third base and then had no trouble scurrying home after a pair of errant throws by the Giants. He missed just one game with a bout of neck soreness. He's up to eight steals on nine attempts this year, with two of those thefts coming over seven contests in August. The shortstop is slashing just .181/.222/.277 with four home runs, 33 RBI, 23 runs scored and 12 doubles across 73 games.
Aug 8 2024Baez is dealing with neck soreness, leading to his removal from the lineup Thursday against Seattle, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was a late removal from the lineup, which is now understood to have been the result of a neck issue. The 31-year-old can be considered day-to-day for the time being.
Aug 1 2024The Tigers activated Baez (personal) from the bereavement list Thursday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has been away this week while tending to other matters but will be active for the beginning of the team's four-game series against the Royals. He's not in Thursday's lineup, as the Tigers are giving Ryan Kreidler a start at shortstop.
Jul 29 2024The Tigers placed Baez (personal) on the family medical emergency list Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: By rule, Baez can miss 3-to-7 days while on the list, though the Tigers are hopeful that he'll rejoin the team in the minimum amount of time and be back in the lineup Thursday against the Royals, per Evan Woodbery of MLive.com. Ryan Kreidler was called up from Triple-A Toledo to replace Baez on the active roster and should see reps at shortstop along with Zach McKinstry.
Jul 27 2024Baez went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Saturday's 7-2 win over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez homered again on Saturday, and he's now gone deep in three straight games for the first time since 2022 and the third time overall in his career. After only going deep once in his first 63 games this season, Baez has seemed to have found his power stroke. The 31-year-old still has a ways to go to be trusted for fantasy purposes with a .491 OPS for the season, but he's shown in the past that he can get hot fast.
Jul 26 2024Baez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Friday's 9-3 loss to the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez took Pablo Lopez deep in the third inning after providing all the Tigers offense in Thursday's win with a three-run blast. Baez has now homered in back-to-back games for the first time since 2023. Prior to these two homers, Baez had not gone deep since April 14 in what has been a rough year for him. The 31-year-old is hitting .179 with three homers and a .474 OPS through 65 games this season.
Jul 25 2024Baez went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Thursday's 3-0 win over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez's second inning blast against Cleveland starter Gavin Williams provided all the offense in the game for both teams. It was just the second long ball of the season for the shortstop, who has been scuffling mightily with a .177 average and .460 OPS. As further evidence of his current status, Baez batted ninth for the Tigers. It's not what you'd expect from a $140 million player, and Baez doesn't warrant fantasy attention until he can display a sustained level of positive performance, which doesn't seem likely this year.
Jul 23 2024Baez is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game at Cleveland, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez started the previous three games after missing a couple contests due to a back injury, and he'll sit Tuesday while in the midst of a 6-for-48 slump. Zach McKinstry will start at shortstop and bat eighth for Detroit.
Jul 20 2024Baez (back) will start at shortstop and bat seventh Saturday against the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A back issue forced Baez out of last Saturday's game against the Dodgers and kept him out of the lineup through Friday, but the worst of it appears to be behind him. The 31-year-old finished the first half of the season with a career-worst .459 OPS through 214 plate appearances, though he remains locked in as Detroit's primary shortstop.
Jul 19 2024Baez (back) remains out of the lineup for Friday's game in Toronto. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez missed the final contest before the All-Star break, and the time off wasn't enough to get him back in the lineup. The Tigers had expressed optimism earlier this week that Baez could avoid the injured list, but it's not a good sign that five days of rest was insufficient. Zach McKinstry will handle shortstop Friday.
Jul 14 2024Baez (back) is not currently slated to be placed on the injured list, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez isn't starting Sunday against the Dodgers after being removed early from Saturday's contest due to a lower-back injury. He's available only in an emergency situation Sunday, per Jason Beck of MLB.com. However, manager A.J. Hinch described Baez's outlook as "encouraging" and said that the veteran infielder is in better spirits, and it appears that he may be good to go when play resumes Friday following the All-Star break.
Jul 13 2024Baez was removed from Saturday's game against the Dodgers due to a lower-back injury, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez reportedly had no problems playing in the field, though his back prevented him from feeling comfortable while hitting. There's no telling if he'll be available for Sunday's series finale, but the Tigers may take a cautious approach and sit him down heading into the break.
Jul 10 2024Baez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After coming off the 10-day injured list Monday, Baez started at shortstop in both of the first two contests of the series, going 1-for-6 with a double between the two contests. Though he's expected to see the bulk of the starts at shortstop now that he's healthy again, Baez will give way Wednesday to utility man Zach McKinstry.
Jul 8 2024The Tigers reinstated Baez (back) from the 10-day injured list Monday. He'll start at shortstop and bat seventh in the Tigers' series opener versus the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Detroit optioned infielder Ryan Kreidler to Triple-A Toledo to clear room on the 26-man active roster for Baez, who missed a month of action while recovering from lumbar spine inflammation. Baez proved his health while playing in rehab games with Toledo on four consecutive days last week and will immediately step back into an everyday role in the middle infield for Detroit. Before landing on the shelf, Baez had been among baseball's least productive regulars, accruing a .183/.209/.247 slash line with one home run and six stolen bases over 53 games. Despite his reputation and past production, the 31-year-old looks to be little more than an accumulator -- and a low-end one, at that -- rather than a true fantasy asset at this stage of his career.
Jul 2 2024Baez (back) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has been out since June 11 while dealing with lumbar inflammation, but he now appears to be on the cusp of returning to the major-league roster. The shortstop will likely play in multiple games with Toledo before being activated from the 10-day injured list. Baez has struggled to a .183/.209/.247 slash line with one home run, 25 RBI, 15 runs scored and six stolen bases over 53 games this season, not providing much value to fantasy managers.
Jun 30 2024Baez (back) is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo on Monday, Joe Reedy of the Associated Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager A.J. Hinch had previously said June 25 that Baez wasn't on track to return from the 10-day injured list before the Tigers' ongoing road trip concludes July 7, but the veteran shortstop looks like he could be an option to play during the final week before the All-Star break. The Tigers will likely wait and see how Baez responds to at least a few rehab games with Toledo this week before determining his next steps. Baez had produced a career-worst .456 OPS over 196 plate appearances before being placed on the IL on June 11 with lumbar spine inflammation.
Jun 25 2024Baez (back) won't be with the Tigers during their road trip that ends July 7 and will require an "extensive" rehab assignment, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez became eligible to return from the IL on June 19, but manager AJ Hinch noted Tuesday that the shortstop won't travel with Detroit during its 10-game road trip that kicks off Thursday. Even once Baez is cleared for game action, he'll need to make several appearances in the minors before being activated from the IL. Given the current timeline, Baez could be held out until after the All-Star break.
Jun 18 2024Baez (spine) is without a precise timeline to return from the injured list, but the Tigers are preparing for him to miss more than the minimum 10 days, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez's stint on the IL is retroactive to June 9, making him eligible for activation at any point after Tuesday. However, the Tigers don't seem eager to rush Baez back from lumbar spine inflammation, especially after the shortstop had dealt with back pain for much of last season. Baez visited a doctor in Florida this past weekend and received an injection in his back to alleviate the inflammation, and the shot appears to have taken the desired effect since he began participating in light hitting drills Tuesday, per Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Zach McKinstry and Ryan Kreidler have formed a platoon at shortstop since Baez went on the shelf.
Jun 14 2024Baez received an injection to treat lumbar spine inflammation Friday, Evan reports.Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday due to his back injury. Following his injection Friday, Baez will be re-evaluated early next week to resume baseball activities. Prior to landing on the IL, the 31-year-old shortstop was slashing .183/.209/.247 with nine doubles, one home run and 25 RBI over 196 plate appearances.
Jun 11 2024The Tigers placed Baez on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with lumbar spine inflammation, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has evidently been bothered by the back issue off and on all season and is headed to Florida to meet with a doctor. He is expected to be out more than the minimum 10 days, although a clearer picture regarding his timetable could be available after the exam. Zach McKinstry and Ryan Kreidler are expected to share shortstop while Baez is on the shelf.
Jun 9 2024Baez is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez will begin Sunday's game in the dugout after starting in each of the first two games of the series, going 1-for-7 with two strikeouts. The lefty-hitting Zach McKinstry will start at shortstop and bat seventh against Milwaukee right-hander Bryse Wilson.
Jun 4 2024Baez is not in the Tigers' lineup Tuesday versus the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: In the last 10 games, Baez is hitting just .108 (4-for-37). Amidst the slump, the shortstop will take a seat with Zach McKinstry starting in his place and batting sixth Tuesday.
Jun 2 2024Baez went 0-for-3 with a strikeout in Saturday's 6-3 loss to the Red Sox, dropping his season batting average to .190. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It looked like Baez was maybe turning things around when he recorded seven hits across two games on May 17 and 18. However, he's gone just 4-for-33 in nine games since then, and he's hitless over his last three contests. The shortstop's .190 average would be his worst since he batted .169 across 52 games as a 21-year-old rookie back in 2014. Baez's time in Detroit has been disastrous so far, and it doesn't appear it'll get much better anytime soon.
May 31 2024Baez is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez is 1-for-15 across his last four starts and will give way to Zach McKinstry on Friday. McKinstry will bat eighth and play shortstop with Tanner Houck on the bump for Boston.
May 29 2024Baez is absent from the lineup for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader versus the Pirates, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez went 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in the Tigers' 8-0 win earlier in the day but will begin the second half of the twin bill on the bench. Zach McKinstry will occupy shortstop for the Tigers.
May 24 2024Baez is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 31-year-old will begin in the dugout and cede shortstop responsibilities to Zach McKinstry as Detroit takes on Toronto for the second game of the series. Baez has started nine of the last ten games for the Tigers, batting 11-for-34 with nine RBI in that stretch.
May 21 2024Baez is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez will give way to Zach McKinstry at shortstop Tuesday after making eight straight starts. Baez finally found his groove at the plate during the Tigers' three-game series against the D-Backs last week, going 8-for-13 with four doubles and seven RBI.
May 19 2024Baez went 4-for-5 with two doubles, two runs scored and an RBI in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A day after recording three hits, Baez one-upped himself and posted his first four-hit effort of the year. Before Friday's outburst, the shortstop was batting just .167, but the two-game flurry has pushed that up to .207. Baez will need to keep stringing together performances like this to make his season-long stats look more acceptable, though at least he's showing some signs of life, and he's been known as a streaky performer in the past who can heat up quickly.
May 17 2024Baez went 3-for-4 with two doubles, five RBI and a run scored in Friday's 13-0 win over the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was given a vote of confidence from manager A.J. Hinch earlier this week, and he made good on it with his best game of the season. This was the shortstop's third multi-hit effort this season and the first time he's driven in multiple runs. Baez is still slashing a paltry .185/.216/.254 with one home run, 18 RBI, nine runs scored, six doubles and six stolen bases over 38 contests. He's set to remain the starting shortstop for the foreseeable future, as the Tigers have no obvious candidates to push him for playing time.
May 11 2024Baez is not in the Tigers' starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With the Astros sending out right-hander Cristian Javier (neck), the Tigers will start lefty-hitting Zach McKinstry at shortstop. Baez went 0-for-4 during Friday's series opener, and the 31-year-old is 2-for-26 with three RBI and five strikeouts in May.
May 5 2024Baez will start at shortstop and bat eighth in Sunday's game against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Per Chris McCosky of The Detroit News, Baez has been dealing with lingering low-back soreness, which may explain why the Tigers held him out of the lineup for Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Yankees. The sore back doesn't look as though it'll be anything that forces Baez to the 10-day injured list, but he could start receiving more frequent days off, especially if he continues to underwhelm at the plate. After turning in a .671 OPS and .592 OPS in the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, respectively, Baez has declined further so far in his third season in Detroit. He carries a .183/.228/.258 slash line into Sunday's contest.
May 4 2024Baez isn't in the Tigers' lineup for Saturday's game against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez will get a breather Saturday after going 0-for-4 with a strikeout during Friday's series opener. His absence will allow Zach McKinstry to start at shortstop while batting eighth.
Apr 30 2024Baez is out of the lineup for Game 1 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran shortstop sat for Sunday's series finale versus Kansas City and finds himself on the bench for Tuesday's matinee. Zach McKinstry is starting at shortstop, and Baez will likely rejoin the lineup for Game 2.
Apr 28 2024Baez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez started the previous seven games but will sit Sunday after he posted a .641 OPS during that stretch. Zach McKinstry will step in at shortstop for the series finale versus Kansas City.
Apr 22 2024Baez went 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored in Monday's 7-1 win over the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Relegated to the eighth spot in the lineup, Baez managed to contribute anyways, and he's been good over his last five games with a .350 batting average. The shortstop is still batting just .203 for the season, so he'll need more performances like the one he delivered Monday if he wants to get his overall numbers up to a more acceptable range.
Apr 19 2024Baez is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Twins, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez finally found some success at the plate recently with an .871 OPS across the past five games, but he'll head to the bench for Friday's series opener at Minnesota. Zach McKinstry will step in at shortstop and bat seventh.
Apr 18 2024Baez went 2-for-5 with two doubles, an RBI and a run scored in Thursday's 9-7 loss to the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The doubles were Baez's first of the season, and he's still sitting on just one home run across 17 games. The shortstop isn't hitting a ton of singles either, as he's batting just .172. While he's shown an ability in the past to heat up quickly, his struggles the past few seasons don't instill a ton of confidence. Baez should continue to see regular playing time, however, giving him an opportunity to turn things around.
Apr 14 2024Baez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Sunday's 4-3 win over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has gotten off to a horrendous start, as he's batting just .140 with a .361 OPS even after the home run, which was his first of the season. The shortstop has had a rough time in Detroit the last three years, and his big contract is likely the main reason he's holding onto a starting role. However, the Tigers could choose to reduce Baez's playing time if he doesn't pick things up soon.
Apr 13 2024Baez isn't in the Tigers' lineup for the first game of Saturday's twin bill versus Minnesota. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After striking out three times and failing to record a hit during Friday's contest, Baez will take a seat to kick off Saturday's activities. Zach McKinstry will get the nod instead at shortstop and bat seventh.
Apr 7 2024Baez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the A's, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez is 4-for-26 through his first seven games of the season and will take a seat for Sunday's series finale versus Oakland. Zach McKinstry will step in at shortstop and bat eighth.
Apr 4 2024Baez is not in the lineup for the first game of Thursday's doubleheader versus the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Zach McKinstry will get the start at shortstop in place of Baez. Baez is just 3-for-16 with a 6:0 K:BB in the early going this season. He'll likely be back at shortstop for the second contest Thursday.
Apr 2 2024Baez is absent from the lineup for Tuesday's game versus the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez had started each of he Tigers' first four contests, going 3-for-16 with a 6:0 K:BB. Zach McKinstry will fill in at shortstop Tuesday and bat ninth.
Mar 28 2024Baez went 1-for-4 with a run scored in Thursday's 1-0 win over the White Sox. He also stole a base. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez manufactured the game's lone run in the third inning. He led off the frame with a single, stole second, then advanced to third and scored on a pair of sacrifice flies. While it's a decently promising start for the shortstop, it was concerning to see him bat eighth on Opening Day. Baez may be able to have a bounceback campaign in 2024, though it would help his cause if he's able to move up in the order.
Mar 12 2024Baez, who went 0-for-2 with an RBI in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins, is now batting just .050 this spring. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has gone just 1-for-20 with 10 strikeouts across nine spring games. Veteran players can often be given a free pass for slow starts, but with Baez struggling mightily in his first two seasons with the Tigers, the recent performance is worrisome. The 31-year-old should still have a fairly firm hold on the starting shortstop role, though fantasy managers may want to look elsewhere, at least until Baez shows any signs of getting going at the plate.
Feb 16 2024Baez revealed Friday that he's dealt with nagging back and core issues over the last two seasons, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez altered his offseason training routine in order to strengthen those areas and said he's now feeling much better. Perhaps the injury problems can at least partly explain Baez's dreadful .230/.273/.361 batting line during his two years in Detroit, but it's a situation where fantasy managers need to see tangible improvement from the 31-year-old before he can be trusted again.
Oct 1 2023Baez went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was a nice game for Baez but a disappointing season, as he finishes with a .592 OPS, nine home runs and 59 RBI across 136 games. Excluding the condensed 2020 campaign, it was the first time the shortstop finished with fewer than 10 long balls since 2015. Baez has so far not come close to living up to the six-year, $140 million contract he signed with the Tigers before the 2022 season, though he figures to be a regular again in 2024 and will look to turn things around in Detroit.
Sep 30 2023Baez is not in the lineup Saturday against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: If Baez does not appear in the game Saturday, he will finish September with a .642 OPS and one home run. Andy Ibanez will start at second base, with Zach McKinstry sliding over to shortstop.
Sep 28 2023Baez is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Tigers are going with Zack Short at shortstop in the final game of the series versus Kansas City. Baez had been in the lineup for each of the previous three contests.
Sep 23 2023Baez (back) is not in the lineup Saturday against the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Prior to Friday's start, Baez missed three games with back tightness. In his return, he went 2-for-3 with two doubles and a run scored. After a solid game at the plate, the shortstop heads back to the bench. Andy Ibanez will play at second base, with Zach McKinstry sliding over to shortstop.
Sep 22 2023Baez (back) went 2-for-3 with two doubles and a run scored in Friday's 8-2 loss to the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez sat out three games with back tightness, and he came back with a strong showing. It was just his third multi-hit effort in September, and he's batting a paltry .233 (10-for-43) for the month. Overall, the shortstop is up to a .220/.268/.324 slash line with nine home runs, 58 RBI, 57 runs scored, 12 stolen bases and 16 doubles through 131 games.
Sep 21 2023Baez (back) is expected to rejoin the lineup Friday against the Athletics, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has been out of the lineup for three consecutive games, but he is available off the bench Thursday. His return will likely hurt the playing time of Andy Ibanez.
Sep 20 2023Baez (back) remains out of the lineup Wednesday versus the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was scratched Tuesday due to lower-back tightness and needs at least a bit more rest and treatment. Zach McKinstry will play shortstop and bat second for the Tigers on Wednesday in Los Angeles.
Sep 19 2023Baez was scratched from the Tigers' lineup ahead of Tuesday's game against the Dodgers due to lower-back tightness, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Tigers haven't given any details on how severe Baez's injury is, but he should be considered day-to-day going forward. Zack Short will fill in for Baez at shortstop and bat eighth Tuesday.
Sep 16 2023Baez went 2-for-5 with a home run, a double, four RBI and two runs scored in Friday's win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez clocked a solo homer in the fourth inning before ripping a bases-clearing double in the eighth. He snapped a 16-game homerless drought and produced his first multi-RBI game since Aug. 21. Baez has just two home runs in 29 games since the start of August, slashing .195/.263/.287 during that span. For the year, he owns a .586 OPS with 27 extra-base hits through 511 plate appearances.
Sep 13 2023Baez is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has now started just six of the Tigers' last 13 games and over that stretch he's gone 4-for-21 with a 33.3 percent strikeout rate. Zach McKinstry is playing shortstop and leading off Wednesday.
Sep 9 2023Baez will sit Saturday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has seemingly played himself out of an everyday role down the stretch, as he finds himself on the bench for the third time in the last six games. He hasn't hit like anything close to an everyday player this season, slashing .221/.267/.319. Zack Short will be Saturday's shortstop.
Sep 6 2023Baez is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez missed some time last week due to general soreness and is sitting Wednesday for the second time in four games since he rejoined the lineup Saturday. Zack Short will receive another start at shortstop in the veteran's place.
Sep 3 2023Baez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While dealing with general soreness, Baez sat out three straight games before he returned to the lineup for Saturday's 10-0 win, during which he went 0-for-3 with a walk. The Tigers haven't indicated that Baez suffered a setback in his return, so his move to the bench Sunday may be for maintenance purposes more than anything else. Zack Short will step in for Baez at shortstop.
Sep 2 2023Baez (general soreness) is starting at shortstop and batting eighth Saturday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: An illness and general soreness have led to Baez missing five games over the past couple weeks, but he is in the starting nine Saturday after missing three games in a row. He hit .175 with one home run, seven runs, six RBI and one steal in 20 August games.
Sep 1 2023Baez (undisclosed) remains out of the lineup Friday versus the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tigers manager A.J. Hinch told reporters Thursday that Baez was "beat up a little bit," and now the 30-year-old shortstop is sitting for a third consecutive game. Zack Short will fill in and bat ninth at Chicago.
Aug 31 2023Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Baez is not in the lineup for the second straight game Thursday because "he's beat up a little bit and not feeling 100 percent," Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hinch didn't specify what exactly Baez is dealing with, but it's probably safe to say he's battling some general soreness but should be ready to return to the lineup over the weekend. Zach McKinstry is playing shortstop for Detroit on Thursday versus the Yankees.
Aug 30 2023Baez is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Yankees, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez had started each of the last five contests after missing a couple games with an illness. Zach McKinstry will man shortstop Wednesday.
Aug 25 2023Baez (illness) is starting at shortstop and batting eighth Friday against Houston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez missed the Tigers' last two games due to illness, but the issue appears to have subsided ahead of Friday's contest. The 30-year-old shortstop has started to heat up at the plate recently, going 4-for-14 with a home run and three RBI across his last four games.
Aug 23 2023Baez (illness) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez will take a seat for the second day in a row while he battles a flu bug. Zach McKinstry will slide over from the keystone to fill in for Baez at shortstop.
Aug 22 2023Baez was scratched from Tuesday's lineup against the Cubs with an illness, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Zack Short will man shortstop while Zach McKinstry is added to the lineup at third base. Baez should be considered day-to-day.
Aug 20 2023Baez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kerry Carpenter got the scoring started with a three-run home run in the first inning, and then Baez provided the deciding run with his eighth long ball of the season in the seventh. It's been a disappointing season for the shortstop, who's sitting with just a .592 OPS. Baez may also finish with his fewest home runs in a full season since he hit one as a 22-year-old back in 2015. Since then, he's had at least 14 home runs every year except for the condensed 2020 campaign, when he recorded eight long balls in 59 games.
Aug 18 2023Baez was activated from the bereavement list ahead of the second half of Friday's doubleheader in Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez missed the first half of the Tigers' twin bill against the Guardians as he made his way back from Puerto Rico, where he was attending funeral services for his grandfather. Isan Diaz was optioned to Triple-A Toledo to clear out space on the roster for Baez's return in the nightcap.
Aug 17 2023Baez is expected to return from the bereavement list Friday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has been away from the Tigers since Saturday while attending funeral services for his grandfather in Puerto Rico. He should appear in at least one half of Friday's doubleheader against the Guardians. Thursday's series opener in Cleveland was postponed due to rain, resulting in the twin bill.
Aug 13 2023The Tigers placed Baez (knee) on the bereavement list Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez had been a candidate to go on the bereavement list for nearly a week following the recent passing of his grandfather, but he ended up starting in four straight games before he was scratched from the lineup ahead of Saturday's 6-2 win over the Red Sox due to a sore right knee. Baez apparently suffered the injury Friday, and he'll now get some added time to heal up while he returns to his native Puerto Rico to attend his grandfather's funeral and mourn with his family. Per MLB rules, players must spent at least three days -- and no more than seven -- on the bereavement list, so Baez could rejoin the Tigers as soon as Wednesday for the team's game in Minnesota.
Aug 12 2023Baez (knee) is leaving the team to head to Puerto Rico for his grandfather's funeral, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was scratched from Saturday's lineup against the Red Sox with a sore knee, but it now appears like there may have been a different reason for his absence. The Tigers will make the move to the bereavement list official Sunday and it's unclear who will join the major-league roster for the time being.
Aug 8 2023Baez (personal) was added to the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez had been out of the Tigers' lineup since Saturday following the death of his grandfather. He's expected to officially go on the bereavement list at some point, but the 30-year-old will start at shortstop and bat sixth Tuesday versus the Twins and right-hander Sonny Gray.
Aug 7 2023Baez (personal) is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Tigers have yet to announce any roster moves ahead of Monday's series opener, but Baez could be placed on the bereavement list following the recent death of a family member. He had been included in the Tigers' initial lineups for both of the past two games, only to be scratched on both occasions on account of the personal matter. It's unclear if Baez is still with the team or if he's already left Detroit to be with his family.
Aug 6 2023Baez (personal) was scratched from Sunday's lineup against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was scratched from Detroit's starting nine for the second day in a row due to a recent death in his family. The 30-year-old could soon be placed on the bereavement list.
Aug 5 2023Baez was scratched from Saturday's lineup against the Rays due to a death in his family, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It remains to be seen if Baez will be placed on the bereavement list, where players are allowed to reside for 3-to-7 days. Zack Short is starting at shortstop Saturday in his place.
Jul 30 2023Baez went 2-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 8-6 loss to the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez entered the contest batting just .182 over his previous 10 games, so this was a step in the right direction. The shortstop is still batting just .225 for the season with a .594 OPS, making it another disappointing campaign in his second year with the Tigers. Baez may still make a splash here and there, though it's hard to trust him as a consistent fantasy performer at this point given his struggles in 2022 and 2023.
Jul 24 2023Baez is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez will take a seat for the second time in the second half while the Tigers and Giants get together for a make-up game that begins at 1:10 p.m. ET. With Baez on the bench, Zach McKinstry will slide over from third base to pick up a start at shortstop.
Jul 18 2023Baez went 3-for-4 with a walk, a double, an RBI and a run scored in Tuesday's 11-10 loss to the Royals. He also stole two bases. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was all over the place Tuesday, recording his eighth and ninth stolen bases of the year. It was the second time this season he's stolen two bases in the same game, with the other coming back on June 4. The shortstop isn't getting on base frequently enough to really run wild, though Tuesday's effort showed that he's still capable of stealing a base or two when given the chance. The nine steals match Baez's total from 2022.
Jul 17 2023Baez is out of the lineup for Monday's game in Kansas City. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has shown no signs of righting the ship so far in July, batting just .167/.186/.262. Zach McKinstry will handle shortstop Monday while Baez regroups.
Jul 6 2023Baez went 3-for-3 with a walk, a double, two RBI and two runs scored in Thursday's 9-0 win over the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez came into the contest just 2-for-20 over his last five games but was able to snap out of the funk. The shortstop has been hot and cold throughout his career, but he's been more on the cold side during his time in Detroit. He currently has a .596 OPS, which would be his lowest mark since recording a .551 OPS across 52 games as a 21-year-old rookie back in 2014.
Jul 2 2023Baez went 1-for-5 with a grand slam in Sunday's 14-9 win over the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez made an early impact with his one-out blast off Connor Seabold in the first inning. The homer snapped a 13-game power drought for Baez, who hit just .176 (9-for-51) in that span. He's tracking for a career low in homers over a full season -- he has just six through 79 contests so far. The shortstop is slashing a paltry .223/.258/.331 with 42 RBI, 32 runs scored and six stolen bases this year.
Jun 19 2023Baez is not in the starting lineup Monday versus the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez will take a seat Monday after he went 5-for-15 with a homer, two triples, six RBI, four runs scored and a stolen base while starting all four games of the team's series against Minnesota. Zack Short will draw the start at shortstop and bat ninth in the opener with Kansas City.
Jun 17 2023Baez went 1-for-3 with a walk and a three-run home run in Friday's win over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez tripled and drove in two Thursday night, then followed it up with another strong performance. The shortstop is riding a six-game hitting streak overall and now has his season OPS up to .614. That's still well below Baez's normal standard, but the recent stretch is at least a step in the right direction.
Jun 15 2023Baez went 2-for-5 with a triple, two RBI and two runs scored in Thursday's win over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has mostly struggled this season, though he still has the ability to pop for big games like he did Thursday. The shortstop has been heating up lately as well, as he now has hits in five straight games and has batted .348 during that span. Baez is still hitting just .231 for the season with a .598 OPS, but his recent stretch is promising.
Jun 10 2023Baez went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Friday's 11-6 loss to the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez went deep in the ninth inning for just his fourth home run of the season through 58 games played. He had just 17 long balls last year, which was his lowest total in a full season since 2016. Baez may struggle to even get to 17 home runs this year, and so far his time in Detroit has been fairly underwhelming, as his fantasy production has fallen off.
Jun 4 2023Baez went 0-for-3 with a walk and two stolen bases in Sunday's 6-2 loss to the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez represented just one of five baserunners for the Tigers, and while he was able to swipe second and third base, he was left stranded in the sixth inning. The shortstop hadn't attempted a steal since a successful theft May 9. He's now at five steals this season while slashing .223/.270/.313 with three home runs, 27 RBI and 20 runs scored through 54 contests. His bat has been trending in the wrong direction lately, as he's gone hitless in five of his last eight games.
Jun 3 2023Baez went 2-for-4 with a triple in Friday's 3-0 loss to the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Tigers had only six hits as a team and just two extra-base hits. It was a good effort all the same for Baez, who has struggled to get going this season. The shortstop has a .565 OPS over his last 10 games and just a .599 OPS for the year, which is well below his career .757 mark. He could still get hot at some point, but fantasy managers can't be blamed for turning to other middle infield options.
May 27 2023Baez will sit Saturday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez finds himself on the bench for the first time in exactly a month. He's hit .238/.279/.352 since that time, a slight improvement at best on his .234/.294/.286 line up to that point. Zack Short will get the nod at shortstop.
May 22 2023Baez went 3-for-6 with a double, a run scored and three RBI in Monday's 10-inning win over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez came into the contest 0-for-16 across his last four games, so this was a step in the right direction for the streaky shortstop. Baez is now batting .243 this month and .238 for the season, as he hasn't been able to truly get going at the plate despite some big games here and there. He should continue to see regular playing time, though he's hard to trust in fantasy leagues at the moment.
May 10 2023Baez went 2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored in Wednesday's win over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Tigers are playing better lately and so is Baez, as the shortstop is batting .314 this month with three home runs, five RBI and seven runs scored in nine games. Baez hasn't lived up to expectations yet during his time in Detroit, though he could be turning a corner. His season batting average is now up to .256 to go with a .695 OPS.
May 5 2023Baez went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run and a walk in Friday's 5-4 win over the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez didn't homer in all of April, but he's now gone deep three times over four games in May. He also has three multi-hit efforts in his last five contests. For the season, the shortstop is slashing .260/.322/.394 with 15 RBI, 14 runs scored and two stolen bases through 115 plate appearances.
May 3 2023Baez went 2-for-7 with a solo home run and three runs scored across both games of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez's two games Wednesday were a good representation of his time in Detroit. He looked good in Game 1, going 2-for-3 with the home run, which was his first of the year, and all three runs scored. The shortstop then went 0-for-4 and left five runners on base in the nightcap. Baez is now batting .237 overall in 2023 and has been largely disappointing for fantasy managers dating back to last season, though he's shown flashes of promise.
Apr 30 2023Baez went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez's season-long figures still don't look great, as he's batting .233 with a .575 OPS, but he's been better lately. Across his last 10 games, the shortstop is batting .310 with four RBI and four runs scored. He may not be able to return to the level he displayed earlier in his career with the Cubs, though Baez figures to keep trending upward after a slow start this year.
Apr 29 2023Baez (hand) is back in the lineup for the first half of Saturday's doubleheader against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez suffered a left hand contusion Wednesday when he was hit by a pitch, but he apparently feels well enough now to return as the Tigers' designated hitter in the early tilt at Comerica Park. He'll bat third versus O's right-hander Dean Kremer.
Apr 27 2023Baez (hand) was scratched from the Tigers' lineup ahead of Thursday's game against Baltimore, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez's left hand is still sore after getting hit by a pitch Wednesday against the Brewers, and it will now officially cost him at least one start. In Baez's absence, Nick Maton will shift to shortstop, Zach McKinstry moves to third base and Jonathan Schoop will start at second.
Apr 5 2023Baez is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez will take a seat after starting the Tigers' first five games of the year, going 2-for-20 with one RBI and one run scored while striking out five times. The 30-year-old saw his strikeout percentage drop from 33.7 percent in 2021 to 24.9 percent in 2022 and it appears that his discipline at the plate is closer to his 2022 form early this season. Ryan Kreidler will take over at shortstop and bat ninth Wednesday versus Houston.
Feb 22 2023Baez can opt out of his contract after the upcoming season, and it's unclear if he'll remain in Detroit beyond 2023, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez had a disappointing first season in Detroit after signing a six-year, $140 million deal, posting just a .671 OPS and hitting only 17 home runs after recording 31 long balls in 2021. Entering his age-30 season, Baez will be looking to rebound, and if he does, he may want to test free agency again next offseason. The rebuilding Tigers may also look to trade him at some point in 2023, particularly if the shortstop plays well and Detroit can acquire solid prospects in return.
Oct 4 2022Baez is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez went 0-for-5 with a strikeout during Game 1 and will take a seat for the nightcap. Ryan Kreidler will replace the veteran at shortstop for Game 2.
Oct 2 2022Baez is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez started the past 12 games and will receive a day off after he posted a .245/.275/.449 slash line with three home runs and seven RBI during that stretch. Ryan Kreidler will start at shortstop and bat ninth in the series finale.
Sep 29 2022Baez went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and two runs scored in Thursday's 10-3 win over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez played a big role in the blowout win with his 16th home run of the season leading the way. He's still just over half of the way to the 31 long balls he hit in 2021, as his production has dipped across the board in his first year with the Tigers. Baez is still capable of breaking out in 2023, and he figures to come at a discount in fantasy drafts.
Sep 24 2022Baez went 3-for-5 with a three-run home run and an additional run scored in Saturday's 7-2 victory versus the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez scored on a Harold Castro homer in the first inning and put the game out of reach with his three-run smash to center field in the seventh. He finished with his eighth multi-game in September. Baez is batting .354 (28-for-79) with four homers, 14 RBI and a stolen base through 21 games this month.
Sep 18 2022Baez (knee) went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored in Sunday's loss to the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was scratched from Saturday's lineup due to right knee soreness, though he did record a single as a pinch hitter. He kept it rolling Sunday with his 14th home run of the season, and the veteran is now batting .379 this month with three home runs and 11 RBI. Baez's overall numbers don't look as good, but at least he's showing some positive signs heading into 2023, which could be a bounceback campaign.
Sep 17 2022Baez was scratched from Saturday's lineup against the White Sox due to right knee soreness. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was removed from Saturday's lineup a few hours before the start of the game and is apparently dealing with a knee issue. The severity of the injury isn't yet clear, but he should tentatively be considered day-to-day.
Sep 16 2022Baez went 3-for-3 with a double, a triple, a run scored, a stolen base and a walk in Friday's 3-2 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez fell a homer shy of the cycle Friday while stealing his ninth base of the year. Despite a mostly down year from the veteran infielder, he's now gone 19-for-53 (.358) with six extra-base hits in 14 games this month. Still, he's slashing just .238/.280/.386 with 54 runs scored through 128 games this season.
Sep 14 2022Baez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was the only Detroit player with multiple hits and obviously the only one to score or drive anyone in on his 13th home run of the year in the seventh inning. The shortstop has had a disappointing first season with the Tigers overall, though he's been better this month with a .320 average, two home runs and nine RBI across 13 games. Baez will likely come at a discount in 2023 fantasy drafts, but his track record suggests he's capable of bouncing back.
Sep 11 2022Baez went 2-for-4 with an RBI double and an RBI triple while also scoring two runs in Saturday's win over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez doubled home Victor Reyes in the third inning, then sent Reyes home again on a triple in the fifth. Baez also reached home on two Harold Castro singles, one in the third and one in the fifth. Baez has started to heat up this month, going hitless in just one of nine games and slashing .353/.389/.529. The veteran shortstop also has a home run, eight RBI and five runs during that span and has raised his season batting average from .223 to .233.
Sep 5 2022Baez (undisclosed) went 2-for-4 with a run scored in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was lifted early from Saturday's contest with an apparent injury, though no more information was provided. It seems like the issue was minor, as the shortstop didn't miss any time and was able to produce in Sunday's game. Baez should be good to go moving forward, and he'll look to stay hot, as he's batting .345 over his last eight games.
Sep 4 2022Baez (undisclosed) is starting at shortstop and batting third Sunday against the Royals, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez departed Saturday's contest with an unspecified injury, but it doesn't appear to be a serious concern since he's back in the lineup for Sunday's series finale. The 29-year-old shortstop is 8-for-25 with a home run, three walks, four RBI and four runs over his past seven contests.
Sep 3 2022Baez exited Saturday's game against the Royals with an apparent injury, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It wasn't obvious what forced Baez from the game. However, McCosky notes that Baez had a rough night physically, as he was slid into at second base and appeared to tweak something while chasing a flyball in the first inning. Baez singled twice prior to leaving and should be considered day-to-day heading into Sunday's series finale.
Sep 2 2022Baez went 1-for-3 with a walk and a two-run home run in Friday's win over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The home run was Baez's 12th of the season and first since Aug. 11. He actually hit just the one long ball last month, but the shortstop is notoriously streaky, so a power surge could come at any time. It's been a disappointing first season in Detroit overall for Baez, though he still has the talent to make an impact for fantasy managers down the stretch.
Aug 30 2022Baez (back) will start at shortstop and bat third Tuesday against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was pulled late in Sunday's 9-8 win over the Rangers due to back stiffness, but Monday's team off day seems to have provided the 29-year-old with enough time to move past the injury. He'll head into Tuesday's series opener sporting a .239/.278/.315 slash line for the month of August.
Aug 28 2022Baez was removed from Sunday's win over the Rangers due to back stiffness, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old also missed Wednesday's game against Pittsburgh due to a back issue, but manager A.J. Hinch didn't sound too concerned about Baez's current injury following Sunday's removal. Baez went 1-for-3 with a run, a walk and a strikeout prior to exiting Sunday's game, and he'll have at least one day to rest ahead of Tuesday's series opener against Seattle.
Aug 27 2022Baez is starting Saturday against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez returned to the lineup Friday against Texas and went 0-for-5 with two strikeouts. He'll start at shortstop and bat third Saturday.
Aug 26 2022Baez (back) will bat third and start at shortstop Friday against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was a late scratch Wednesday due to back spasms, but the problem has evidently dissipated following Thursday's scheduled off day. He'll try to pull himself out of a slump which has seen him slash .220/.258/.305 over his last 15 games.
Aug 24 2022Baez was scratched from Wednesday's lineup against the Pirates due to back spasms, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was removed from the starting lineup minutes before first pitch. Kody Clemens will start at second base and bat third while Willi Castro shifts to shortstop.
Aug 23 2022Baez went 2-for-4 with a run scored in Tuesday's 3-1 loss to the Giants. He also stole a base. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez and rookie Riley Greene were the only Detroit players with multiple hits, and Baez was the only one to score. He also stole his eighth base of the season in nine attempts. The shortstop entered the contest hitless in his past three games, and he's still hitting just .224 with a .636 OPS this year. He batted .265 with an .813 OPS for the Cubs and Mets in 2021 while also stealing 18 bases, so he's clearly taken a step back in his first season with the Tigers.
Aug 17 2022Baez went 1-for-4 with a walk, two stolen bases and a run scored in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The pair of steals were a welcome sight for fantasy managers, but Baez has still remained a colossal disappointment in his first season in Detroit. Excluding the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign, Baez's .648 OPS is his lowest mark since he became a full-time MLB regular in 2016. Even his stolen-base output hasn't met expectations, as his seven steals thus far in 2022 put him well behind pace from matching the 18 steals he notched in 2021 between stops with the Cubs and Mets.
Aug 12 2022Baez went 2-for-4 with a stolen base in Friday's 2-0 loss to the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez broke up Chicago's combined no-hit bid with his leadoff single in the seventh inning. He then stole his fifth base of the season before adding another single in the ninth. The veteran infielder continues to show small flashes this season but he's yet to really put it together; Baez improved his slash line to .224/.266/.379 through 99 games.
Aug 7 2022Baez went 1-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run in Saturday's 9-1 win over the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez had plated just three total runs over his last 10 games, but he was able to take advantage of the Tigers getting on base at a collective .361 clip in the easy win. The Tigers will include Baez in the lineup for Sunday's series finale, with the shortstop batting third against Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen.
Aug 1 2022Baez is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez homered Sunday and tallied four hits over his last three games, but he will get a night off after committing two errors in Sunday's contest. Willi Castro will start at shortstop in Baez's place.
Jul 25 2022Baez (arm) is starting at shortstop and batting second Monday versus the Padres, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After he left Sunday's game early with an arm injury, Baez was considered day-to-day, but he's ready to go for Monday's series opener. The shortstop has gone 4-for-12 with an RBI and four runs scored over four games since the All-Star break.
Jul 24 2022Baez (arm) is considered day-to-day after leaving Sunday's game against the Twins, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was hit in the elbow by a pitch in the bottom of the fourth inning and initially remained in the game, but he struggled gripping a bat and was replaced by a pinch hitter in the bottom of the sixth. Prior to his departure due to his upper arm contusion, he went 0-for-1 with a run. If the 29-year-old isn't ready to play in Monday's series opener against the Padres, Harold Castro and Willi Castro are candidates to fill in at shortstop.
Jul 21 2022Baez went 3-for-9 with two runs scored across both games of Thursday's doubleheader against the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was dynamic in Game 1 with three hits before going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in the nightcap. That's par for the course with the streaky shortstop. While he's batting just .216 this season and .211 in July, he does have two home runs, 10 RBI and 10 runs scored across 18 games this month, so he has at least contributed some counting stats despite struggling to make consistent contact.
Jul 14 2022Baez isn't starting Thursday's game against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez will get a breather after he went 5-for-14 with four doubles, three runs, two RBI, a walk and two strikeouts over the last three games. Harold Castro is starting at shortstop and batting third.
Jul 13 2022Baez went 2-for-4 with a walk, a double and an RBI in Wednesday's loss to the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Tigers scored just two runs, but Baez managed his second consecutive two-hit effort. Three of his last four hits are doubles, and the shortstop is starting to drive the ball with more authority despite batting just .218 for the season. Baez had a .306 slugging percentage through the end of May but has bumped that up to .466 from June onward.
Jul 12 2022Baez went 2-for-5 with two doubles and two runs scored in Tuesday's win over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has gone just 10-for-51 so far this month, though he has managed four doubles and two home runs. That's kept the shortstop's fantasy value afloat, but fantasy managers would certainly like to see more consistent contact. Baez is batting ,214 for the season, down from .265 last year with the Cubs and Mets.
Jul 10 2022Baez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's loss to the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez started the scoring early, taking Michael Kopech deep two batters into the game to put the Tigers up 2-0. The shortstop is continuing to round into form, with six home runs in his last 20 contests, compared to just three long balls over his first 54 games. Baez can fall into prolonged slumps, but he's a dangerous hitter when he's in a groove.
Jul 7 2022Baez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Thursday's 2-1 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Dylan Cease and two Chicago relievers held the Tigers to just five total hits, but Baez made his lone hit count, going deep against Cease in the fourth inning. The shortstop now has eight long balls this season, with five of those coming since June 18. Baez can be a bit streaky, but he's trending in the right direction.
Jul 5 2022Baez isn't starting Tuesday's game versus Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has swung a better bat of late, hitting .269 with seven extra-base hits and nine RBI in his last 13 games. That said, he still has a dreadful .602 OPS through 67 contests this season. Harold Castro starts at shortstop Tuesday.
Jun 29 2022Baez went 2-for-4 with a triple and two runs scored in Wednesday's win over the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez's .222 batting average and .642 OPS for the season still don't look great, but he's been dialed in lately. The shortstop is batting .366 over his past 10 games with eight extra-base knocks. Fantasy managers can probably turn the page on Baez's early season struggles and expect solid numbers the rest of the way.
Jun 26 2022Baez went 2-for-4 with a run scored in Saturday's win over the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was also caught stealing for the first time this season in four attempts and was picked off first base, too, so his stat line could have been better. This was actually a pretty tame performance for the shortstop compared to other recent results. He crushed a grand slam Friday and homered in his two games before that as well, recording seven total RBI across the three contests. Baez can be a streaky player, but when he's in a groove, he typically delivers elite fantasy production. It looks like he's in a groove right now.
Jun 24 2022Baez went 1-for-4 with a grand slam in a 5-1 win against the Diamondbacks on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and none out in the third inning and crushed a Merrill Kelly curveball 459 feet to left center for his third homer in as many games. The knock extended the 29-year-old's hitting streak to modest eight games, during which Baez is 12-for-31 with four long balls and two doubles, upping his line to .216/.258/.378.
Jun 22 2022Baez went 2-for-3 with a walk and a two-run home run in Wednesday's loss to the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez wasted no time hitting his sixth home run of the season, taking Michael Wacha deep in the first inning with a runner on. Three of those home runs have come in the past five games, and the shortstop is hitting a robust .450 during this stretch. Baez's overall numbers are still below his usual standards, but it seems like he's finally getting going at the plate.
Jun 21 2022Baez went 3-for-5 with a triple, a solo home run and two runs scored in Tuesday's loss to the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's been a rough first season in Detroit for Baez, who's batting just .209 overall with a .599 OPS. The shortstop has looked better lately, however, as he's now riding a six-game hitting streak. During that time, Baez is batting .375 with six extra-base hits and two stolen bases. Fantasy managers who have stayed patient might be in store for some sustained success from the 29-year-old.
Jun 19 2022Baez went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, a walk and a run scored in a 7-3 win over Texas on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez singled and stole a base in the first and walked in the third. In the fifth, he reached on a fielder's choice, swiped second and came around to score. The 29-year-old has hit safely in four straight contests, going 4-for-15 with a homer. He's yet to put together one of his typical hot streaks and is hitting just .167 in 173 plate appearances since May 1.
Jun 15 2022Baez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Harold Castro gets the nod at shortstop while Baez sits for the first time since June 2 as the Tigers and White Sox wrap up their series with a day game after a night game. Fantasy managers hoping that Baez's three-walk performance in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Blue Jays might have been a sign of a breakthrough for the 29-year-old have been disappointed. He's gone 0-for-11 with no walks and three strikeouts over the Tigers' subsequent three contests.
Jun 7 2022Baez went 2-for-4 with a double, a stolen base and a run scored in a 5-3 win Tuesday in Pittsburgh. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez ripped a double in the second and singled, stole second and scored in the fourth. It was the second straight game where the shortstop went 2-for-4 with a double. After stealing 18 bases in 2021, Tuesday's swipe was his first attempt this season. Baez is known as a streaky hitter and is showing signs of heating up over the last two games.
Jun 5 2022Baez went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI, a run and a strikeout during Sunday's 5-4 loss to the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez went 0-for-6 with four strikeouts over the first two games of the series against the Yankees after he sat out the final two games of the series against the Angels, but he generated some production during Sunday's matchup. In spite of his encouraging performance to close out the series, the 29-year-old has struggled mightily at the plate recently, as he's hit .146 with two doubles, three RBI, a run and 13 strikeouts over his last 11 games.
Jun 2 2022Baez remains out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Twins, ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: According to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic, Baez is on the bench for a second straight game not due to an injury, but as part of a "planned mental break." The consecutive days off come after Baez closed May with a .129/.182/.161 slash line over the final eight games of the month. He's sitting on a career-worst .542 OPS through his first 40 games with Detroit this season, perhaps giving the Tigers some buyer's remorse after signing him to a massive six-year, $140 million deal this winter.
Jun 1 2022Baez isn't starting Wednesday against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez will get a breather after he hit just .129 with a double, an RBI, a walk and eight strikeouts over the last eight games. Harold Castro will take over at shortstop and bat second.
May 22 2022Baez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's win over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez also struck out twice in the contest, and it's been a bit of a choppy first season in Detroit. The shortstop is batting just .207 with a .575 OPS and three home runs through 31 games. This was also Baez's first long ball since April 26, but he's been a streaky performer at times in the past, so a hot streak could be just around the corner with Sunday perhaps serving as the jumping off point.
May 12 2022Baez is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: According to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News, Baez's absence from the lineup is a scheduled off day for the 29-year-old. Since returning April 24 from a stint on the injured list due to a thumb issue, Baez started in each of the Tigers' last 17 games and slashed .200/.243/.300 over that stretch. Harold Castro fills in for Baez at shortstop in the series finale.
Apr 30 2022Baez went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Friday's 5-1 loss to the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez had a third of Detroit's six hits and drove in the team's only run Friday. The Tigers are struggling at 6-13 overall, and their 59 total runs are tied for the fewest in the league, so Baez hasn't been in a productive lineup so far. The shortstop is still doing his part with a .282/.317/.487 slash line and nine RBI across 10 games played.
Apr 26 2022Baez went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double, a home run and four RBI in Tuesday's loss to the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Twins scored two in the ninth inning for a walkoff, 5-4 victory, but Baez did all he could to give the Tigers a win as he crushed a three-run home run in the eighth. The shortstop is now up to two home runs and eight RBI across only seven games, to go along with an outstanding .972 OPS. Baez has certainly hit the ground running with his new team.
Apr 24 2022The Tigers reinstated Baez (thumb) from the 10-day injured list ahead of Sunday's game against the Rockies in Detroit. He'll start at shortstop and bat third in the series finale, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was sidelined for just one day beyond the minimum amount of time on the IL with the sore right thumb, an injury that first surfaced April 13. Even though Baez wasn't sent out on a rehab assignment prior to being activated, the Tigers shouldn't have much hesitation about deploying him on an everyday basis now that he's back in action. Baez's return will likely leave fewer at-bats to go around for Harold Castro and Willi Castro.
Apr 23 2022Baez (thumb) is hoping to return Sunday against the Rockies, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Saturday was the earliest he reportedly could have returned, but he will miss both games of the twin bill. He will take batting practice on the field in preparation for a return Sunday. Harold Castro will start at shortstop in his absence.
Apr 22 2022Baez (thumb) ran, hit and threw Friday and could return from the injured list sometime between Saturday and Tuesday, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez appeared in just five games for his new team before hitting the IL with a sore right thumb. He's eligible to return Saturday, and it appears as though that's in play as a potential return date, but the Tigers still aren't sure whether or not he'll need another few days to heal.
Apr 20 2022Baez (thumb) said that he expects to resume swinging a bat off a tee Thursday, Marly Rivera of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Baez indicating that the swelling in his right thumb has gone down since being placed on the 10-day injured list last weekend, he appears ready to resume baseball activities. If Baez responds well to hitting off a tee, he could take batting practice Friday and put himself in position to return from the 10-day injured list when first eligible Saturday.
Apr 16 2022Baez (thumb) was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday, retroactive to April 13. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez had already been ruled out for the Tigers' final two matchups against Kansas City, and the team will ultimately elect to place him on the injured list since he hasn't made enough progress since aggravating his thumb injury. Since the move was backdated to Wednesday, the 29-year-old will be eligible to return as early as next weekend, but it's not yet clear whether he'll be able to do so. Harold Castro has filled in at shortstop recently and should continue to see additional playing time during Baez's IL stint.
Apr 15 2022Baez's thumb remains swollen Friday, but X-rays were negative so he could be available Saturday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez said Friday that he initially jammed his thumb while celebrating the Tigers' Opening Day win and that the issue got worse following a recent swing. He's been scratched from the lineup both Wednesday and Thursday and will be unavailable again Friday against the Royals, but his absence could be nearing its end if his thumb responds well to treatment.
Apr 14 2022Baez (thumb) will not be in Friday's lineup against the Royals, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was originally in the lineup Thursday, though he experienced discomfort in his thumb and was subsequently scratched. He'll focus on treatment Friday, with the potential for a Saturday return. Harold Castro started at shortstop and hit eighth in Baez's absence, and he is likely to occupy the same position Friday.
Apr 13 2022Manager A.J. Hinch said Wednesday that he's hopeful Baez (thumb) will be able to return to game action as early as Thursday against the Royals, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was scratched from Wednesday's lineup against the Red Sox due to right thumb soreness that occurred when he got jammed in Tuesday's loss. He received treatment Wednesday, and Hinch is hopeful that Baez's absence is "just a one-day thing." If the 29-year-old is forced to miss any additional time, Harold Castro will likely continue to fill in at shortstop.
Apr 11 2022Baez went 1-for-3 with a walk and a two-run home run in Monday's win over the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez looks comfortable with his new team, as he has started 5-for-15 across his first four games, and he now has his first home run of the young season. The home run was a big one too, as it broke a 1-1 tie in the eighth inning and propelled Detroit to victory. The shortstop has been batting third for the Tigers and should continue to see plenty of chances to produce from the heart of the order.
Apr 9 2022Baez went 2-for-5 with an RBI in Friday's win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was a mixed bag for Baez in his Detroit debut, as he also struck out twice and left four runners on base. The shortstop can be streaky at times, but he should see ample playing time and will have plenty of chances to produce in the middle of the order. Last season with the Cubs, Baez slashed .265/.319/.494 with 31 home runs and 87 RBI.
Mar 26 2022Baez is batting third in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies, and Detroit manager A.J. Hinch said this may resemble his Opening Day lineup, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After he signed a six-year, $140 million deal with Detroit in November, there was no doubt that Baez would bat high in the lineup, but it wasn't clear exactly where he'd slot in regularly. If Hinch's Saturday lineup is any indication, his new shortstop will be the No. 3 hitter most days, with Robbie Grossman batting second and Jeimer Candelario hitting cleanup. This could change, of course, but Baez should get plenty of chances to produce no matter who's around him in the order.
Mar 20 2022Baez went 0-for-2 and played four innings at shortstop in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez batted third, behind Robbie Grossman and Riley Greene, with Jonathan Schoop following that trio. Baez will be a focal point of Detroit's offensive attack this year, and while he's a bit of a free swinger (33.6 percent strikeout rate in 2021), he should still post good counting stats. The 29-year-old should also be back at shortstop on a regular basis after playing at second base next to Francisco Lindor when he joined the Mets at the trade deadline last season.
Nov 30 2021Baez agreed to a six-year, $140 million contract with the Tigers on Tuesday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports. The agreement includes an opt-out after two years as well as a limited no-trade clause, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has his flaws, but the good has more than outweighed the bad through this point in his career. Despite a 33.6 percent strikeout rate last season, a number which ranked third-worst among qualified hitters, he hit .265/.319/.494 with 31 homers and 18 steals. There may come a point at which his athleticism and excellent baseball instincts can no longer help him overcome his poor approach at the plate, but he's a good bet to remain a very productive player for at least the first few years of his deal.
Oct 3 2021Baez is not in the lineup Sunday against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez will sit for the second straight game to close out the season, though manager Luis Rojas indicated it's not due to any sort of injury. The 28-year-old is poised to enter free agency this offseason after posting a .265/.319/.494 slash line with 31 homers, 87 RBI, 80 runs and 18 stolen bases in 2021, though he could still make an appearance off the bench Sunday.
Oct 2 2021Baez is not likely to be in Sunday's lineup against Atlanta for the final game of the regular season, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was not in the lineup Saturday, though manager Luis Rojas stated that Baez isn't dealing with an injury. Baez will also be available off the bench if needed. If this is the end of his campaign, Baez will head into free agency having posted a .265/.319/.494 line with 31 homers, 87 RBI, 80 runs scored and 18 stolen bases across 546 plate appearances.
Sep 27 2021Baez went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Sunday's 8-4 loss to the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez's first hit of the day went for a two-run double in the fourth to make it a 5-3 deficit for the Mets. He later notched a base hit in the sixth but was left stranded on third. The 28-year-old Baez has been rolling in September, slashing .373/.453/.614 with five homers, 14 RBI, 18 runs scored, five steals and 9:23 BB:K in 23 games. He's hit safely in each of his last 10 games now. Baez has certainly been a worthwhile addition since being acquired at the trade deadline and will have some big decisions to make in the offseason as the end of the season approaches.
Sep 14 2021Baez went 2-for-2 with a solo home run, two RBI and three walks in Tuesday's loss to the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The shortstop-turned-second baseman drove in teammate Francisco Lindor with a bunt single in the first inning off Jake Woodford before launching a game-tying solo homer in the bottom of the ninth off Giovanny Gallegos. It was the 31st home run of the campaign for the 28-year-old. The three walks set a single-game season high for him as he hadn't previously walked more than once in a game in 2021. Baez has now had multi-hit efforts in five of his last six contests, raising his batting average from .251 to .264 in the process.
Sep 11 2021Baez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, two additional runs scored, a walk and a stolen base in Saturday's 8-7 loss to the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez homered off Corey Kluber in the third inning to cut the Mets' deficit to one run. In addition, he stole second base in the second inning. It marks the second time in his last three games that he homered and stole a base. Since joining the Mets, Baez is slashing .299/.359/.589 with eight long balls, 16 RBI, 24 runs and four steals in 115 plate appearances.
Sep 10 2021Baez went 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in Friday's 10-3 win over the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez knocked an RBI single in the first inning and an RBI double in the fourth. It was already his fifth multi-hit game in September after producing three in August. Over his last eight games, the slugging infielder has gone 14-for-29 (.483) with six extra-base hits and seven RBI. Baez now owns an .807 OPS with 80 RBI through 472 plate appearances.
Sep 5 2021Baez went 4-for-4 with a home run, two RBI, a stolen base and three runs scored in Sunday's 13-6 win over Washington. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The infielder did a little of everything in this contest, including an RBI single in the first inning and a solo shot in the third. Baez finished the weekend series versus Washington 7-for-14 with two home runs, three RBI and six runs scored in four contests (three starts). He's slashing .251/.297/.494 with 28 homers, 76 RBI, 65 runs scored and 14 stolen bases through 450 plate appearances overall.
Sep 4 2021Baez will be on the bench for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Nationals, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez went 2-for-5 with a solo homer and a pair of runs in the afternoon contest, but he won't be asked to start twice in one day. Luis Guillorme will take over at second base.
Aug 29 2021Baez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 9-4 win over Washington. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old had just two hits in 12 at-bats during this weekend's series versus Washington, but both knocks left the yard. Baez is up to 26 homers, 72 RBI, 57 runs scored and 13 stolen bases through 426 plate appearances. He's batting just .209 (13-for-62) with four homers and three doubles through 17 games since he joined the Mets at the trade deadline.
Aug 28 2021Baez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 2-1 loss to the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He took Paolo Espino deep in the fourth inning, but it was all the offense the Mets could muster. Baez has gone 6-for-19 over five games since returning from the IL, and Friday's long ball has given the 28-year-old his third career season with at least 25 homers.
Aug 22 2021Baez went 2-for-4 with two doubles, two runs, an RBI, HBP and strikeout as the Mets defeated the Dodgers, 7-2 on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Playing in his first game since August 10 due to a back injury, Baez doubled home a run before scoring to get New York on the board in the first inning, doubled and scored again in the seventh and was hit by a pitch in the ninth. This was Baez's second multi-hit game in 11 appearances with his new team and he'll look to use this performance as a launching pad for the stretch run.
Aug 21 2021Manager Luis Rojas said Baez (back) could return from the injured list Sunday, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Once activated, Baez is expected to be the Mets' everyday second baseman, unless of course he returns before shortstop Francisco Lindor (oblique) does. Before suffering the back injury, Baez went 6-for-36 with two home runs and 14 strikeouts in 10 games with New York.
Aug 18 2021Mets acting general manager Zack Scott said Wednesday that he thinks Baez (back) will be ready to return from the 10-day injured list when first eligible Sunday, Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: For the third day in a row, Baez took part in defensive drills Wednesday at second base, the position the Mets could be planning on having him play regularly once activated, as he and shortstop Francisco Lindor (oblique) appear to be on similar timelines to return from the IL. The Mets don't plan to send Baez out on a rehab assignment, but Scott noted that the 28-year-old will still need to make it through a live batting practice session Thursday without any setbacks before he's cleared to return. Once Baez and Lindor are both back in action for the Mets, Jonathan Villar and J.D. Davis appear likely to lose out on everyday roles.
Aug 16 2021Baez (back) fielded grounders and participated in infield drills Monday, Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has been on the injured list since Thursday due to back spasms, but he was able to resume baseball activities for the first time ahead of Monday's game against the Giants. The Mets still haven't indicated when the 28-year-old will return to game action, but Monday's participation in drills was an encouraging step in his recovery.
Aug 13 2021Baez was placed on the 10-day injured list with back spasms Friday, retroactive to Aug. 12. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez had been out of the lineup since he left Sunday's game against the Phillies, and he'll have additional time to recover after he was diagnosed with back spasms. Since Francisco Lindor (oblique) remains sidelined, Jonathan Villar should take over as the primary shortstop, while J.D. Davis will likely see increased time at third base. It's not yet clear whether Baez will be forced to spend more than the minimum of 10 days on the IL.
Aug 12 2021Baez (back) is out of the lineup for the second game of Thursday's doubleheader with the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez hasn't started since Sunday while he continues to manage lower-back tightness, but his usage as a pinch hitter off the bench Wednesday in the resumption of Tuesday's suspended game implies that the Mets are optimistic he'll avoid the injured list. Jonathan Villar will once again fill in at shortstop for Baez, who will hope to return to the lineup for Friday's series opener versus the Dodgers.
Aug 11 2021Baez (back) isn't starting the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Nationals, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez wasn't in Tuesday's lineup due to tightness in his lower back, but he appeared as a pinch hitter and went 0-for-1 with a strikeout. He'll likely be available off the bench again in Wednesday's nightcap, but Jonathan Villar will start at shortstop and bat seventh.
Aug 10 2021Baez's absence from Tuesday's lineup against the Mets is primarily due to tightness in his lower back as opposed to his left hip, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. The club is optimistic that he'll be available off the bench. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez left Sunday's game with what the club later labeled as a left hip issue, but it sounds like the infielder is actually dealing with more pain in the lower part of his back. The 28-year-old has a chance of appearing off the bench Tuesday as he remains day-to-day to return to the starting lineup.
Aug 9 2021Baez is scheduled to undergo more testing Monday as the Mets look to get a full picture of the left hip injury he suffered in Sunday's 3-0 loss to the Phillies, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: At the moment, the Mets are optimistic that Baez is dealing with tightness in the hip rather than something more serious such as a fracture or high-grade strain, but the medical tests will tell the ultimate tale. Even if Baez gets good news from the tests, he could be at risk of missing the Mets' three-game series with the Nationals that begins Tuesday. Jonathan Villar is the next man up at shortstop behind Baez.
Aug 8 2021Mets manager Luis Rojas announced following the team's 3-0 loss to the Phillies on Sunday that Baez is day-to-day after exiting the contest in the fifth inning with left hip tightness, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: When Baez limped back to the dugout after tweaking his hip during his second plate appearance of the afternoon, Rojas said he initially feared the 28-year-old could be dealing with an injury similar to the oblique issue that has kept Francisco Lindor sidelined for the past three weeks. Fortunately for Baez, team trainers are optimistic he's dealing with a lesser concern than Lindor, but that doesn't mean that Baez is out of the woods when it comes to a potential trip to the injured list. Baez will likely be re-evaluated following Monday's off day before the Mets make a formal decision on whether or not an IL stint will be necessary. With Luis Guillorme (hamstring) and Lindor both on the shelf, Jonathan Villar is the next man up for everyday duties at shortstop if Baez misses time.
Aug 4 2021Baez went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and two runs scored Wednesday against the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez led off the eighth inning with a solo home run, breaking a 3-3 tie. It was his second homer since joining the Mets and 24th for the season. In total, Baez has gone 4-for-20 with three RBI and four runs scored across five games with his new club.
Jul 31 2021Baez went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer in his Mets debut on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez brought the Mets to within 4-3 in the sixth inning when he took Wade Miley deep to left-center field. Baez, who hit cleanup, also struck out twice to give New York the full Baez experience in his debut. He'll be the regular shortstop at least as long as Francisco Lindor (oblique) remains on the shelf. Baez is slashing .248/.291/.490 with 23 homers and 67 RBI in 365 plate appearances this season. He's also stolen 13 bases in 16 attempts.
Jul 30 2021Baez's trade from the Cubs to the Mets was finalized Friday afternoon, with Trevor Williams joining him in New York in exchange for Pete Crow-Armstrong. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He's expected to join the Mets' lineup Saturday, and it'll be interesting to see where they slot him in. Baez mostly hit third or fourth for the Cubs, but the Mets could use his wheels near the top of their lineup. Of course, he also has a .292 OBP and the highest strikeout rate in baseball. Either way, this move reflects an improvement in Baez's statistical fortunes, especially given that Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo just got shipped out of Chicago, too.
Jul 29 2021Baez (heel) is starting Thursday's game against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was held out of the lineup in each of the last three games due to a bruised left heel, but he'll play shortstop and bat fourth Thursday. Since the All-Star break, the 28-year-old has hit .293 with a home run, two doubles, nine RBI, six runs and three stolen bases.
Jul 28 2021Baez (heel) isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was a late scratch from Tuesday's lineup, and he didn't appear off the bench as he continues to deal with a bruised left heel. Nico Hoerner will start at shortstop while Matt Duffy starts at second base.
Jul 27 2021Baez (heel) was removed from Tuesday's lineup against the Reds, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old was initially deemed good-to-go for Tuesday's contest after not starting Monday, but apparently he requires at least another day out of the lineup while his left heel recovers. Baez should be considered day-to-day for now, and the Cubs figure to provide an update on his condition no later than Wednesday afternoon. Nico Hoerner enters the lineup to play shortstop.
Jul 26 2021Baez (heel) is out of the lineup Monday against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was removed from Sunday's win over the Diamondbacks due to the injury and will be out of the lineup for at least one contest. Manager David Ross initially labeled it a lower body injury, but it's apparently a bruised heel that cropped up when he stepped awkwardly on a base, per Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago. Nico Hoerner will shift to shortstop Monday while David Bote starts at the keystone.
Jul 25 2021Baez suffered a lower-body injury during Sunday's win over the Diamondbacks, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez went to the ground in the bottom of the eighth inning Sunday while trying to beat out a grounder, but he walked off the field under his own power and remained in the game for the top of the ninth. Manager David Ross didn't offer clarification regarding the shortstop's status after the game, and whether the issue impacts his availability for Monday's game against the Reds remains to be seen. The 28-year-old went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts Sunday.
Jul 23 2021Baez went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer, a double and two runs in Friday's 8-3 win over the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has now recorded hits in nine of his last 10 appearances, and he blasted his first homer since July 6 during Friday's win. The 28-year-old has slashed .345/.381/.603 with four home runs, 15 RBI, 10 runs and four stolen bases across his last 15 games, and he could be involved in trade talks ahead of the July 30 deadline.
Jul 20 2021Baez went 2-for-5 with two RBI, one run scored and one stolen base Tuesday against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez had a quiet start to the contest, but he began his production in the sixth inning when he hit a leadoff single before stealing second base. He also contributed to the Cubs' six-run rally in the ninth inning, providing a two-RBI single to bring the team within one. He later came around to score to provide the game-winning run. For the season, Baez is hitting .244/.287/.486 with 21 home runs, 45 runs scored, 61 RBI and 13 stolen bases.
Jul 17 2021Baez went 1-for-5 with an RBI double and a stolen base in Saturday's 4-2 win over Arizona. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The shortstop helped the Cubs get on the board with an RBI double to plate Willson Contreras in the sixth inning. In the eighth, Baez struck out but reached on a wild pitch before stealing second. The 28-year-old has stolen a base in each of the last two games, and he's now 12-for-14 in steal attempts this year. He's added a .241/.286/.492 slash line with 21 home runs, 57 RBI and 43 runs scored through 322 plate appearances, although he still carries a troubling 37.0 percent strikeout rate, his highest since 2014.
Jul 16 2021Baez went 2-for-4 with a run, strikeout and stolen base in a 5-1 victory against the Diamondbacks on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez singled, stole second and scored in the second to get Chicago on the board and later singled in the eighth to record two hits in consecutive games for the third time this month. The shortstop is now slashing a scorching .393/.394/.750 in nine July games, and it was nice to see the shortstop swipe a base for the first time since June 5.
Jul 11 2021Baez is batting cleanup and playing shortstop in Sunday's series finale against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He will not miss a game after exiting Saturday's contest with a jammed thumb. Baez has an unimpressive .238 average at this point in the season, but he has gone 9-for-19 with a trio of home runs and seven RBI in his last six games.
Jul 10 2021Manager David Ross said following Saturday's loss to the Cardinals that Baez was removed in the ninth inning as a precaution after the shortstop jammed his thumb earlier in the contest, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez went 2-for-3 prior to exiting. Ross sounded more than optimistic that the shortstop will be good to go Sunday, but it might be worth monitoring his status prior to the series finale.
Jul 9 2021Baez (thumb) will start Friday against the Cardinals despite originally not being listed in the lineup, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez had been lined up to miss his third straight contest with a sprained right thumb, but he felt good after swinging in the cage Friday and will elect to give it a go. He'll look to recapture the form he was in immediately prior to the injury, as he went 6-for-11 with three homers and seven RBI over a three-game stretch from Sunday through Tuesday.
Jul 8 2021Baez (thumb) is out of the lineup Thursday against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was scratched from Wednesday's starting nine with a sprained right thumb and will miss his second straight contest Thursday. The 28-year-old should be considered day-to-day until the Cubs indicate otherwise. Sergio Alcantara will receive another start at shortstop in his absence.
Jul 7 2021Baez was scratched from Wednesday's lineup against the Phillies with a sprained right thumb. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez hit a pair of homers Tuesday and has two hits in each of the past three games, and it's unclear when he sustained the thumb injury. He should be considered day-to-day while Sergio Alcantara receives the start at shortstop Wednesday.
Jul 6 2021Baez went 2-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI in Tuesday's 15-10 loss to Philadelphia. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez went deep in the sixth and seventh innings, and he also had a sacrifice fly in the fourth. The shortstop has gone deep three times in two games against Philadelphia this week. The 28-year-old is up to 21 long balls, 56 RBI, 41 runs scored and 10 stolen bases through 77 games, although his .234 batting average leaves a bit to be desired.
Jul 5 2021Baez went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and an RBI double in Monday's 13-3 loss to Philadelphia. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The shortstop continues to show decent power with 19 homers, two triples and seven doubles through 76 games. Baez has multiple hits in his last two games, lifting his batting average up to .230 with a .755 OPS through 300 plate appearances. He's added 52 RBI, 39 runs scored and 10 stolen bases this year, but his ratios aren't likely to improve much while he's striking out at a 37 percent clip.
Jul 4 2021Baez went 2-for-4 with an RBI single and a stolen base in Sunday's 3-2 loss to Cincinnati. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The shortstop knocked in Kris Bryant with an RBI single in the first inning. In the sixth, Baez hit another single and added his 10th stolen base in 12 attempts this season. Baez endured a brutal slump in June, batting just .157 (13-for-83) with five home runs, 13 RBI, eight runs scored and a stolen base in 25 games. His multi-hit effort Sunday was his first since May 31, as he looks to improve upon a .225/.274/.458 slash line across 296 plate appearances this year.
Jun 27 2021Baez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Sunday's 7-1 loss to the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez slammed a solo home run off Clayton Kershaw in the fourth inning for the Cubs lone run in the game. It was his second long ball of the series and he recorded a hit in every game against the Dodgers. The 28-year-old is slashing .228/.267/.472 in 270 plate appearances. He leads the Cubs in home runs (18) and steals (9). However, he is worst in all of baseball with a 38.0% strikeout rate and has a National League-worst 3.3% walk rate.
Jun 24 2021Baez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and a strikeout as the Cubs defeated the Dodgers 4-0 on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez opened the scoring in the first with his 401-foot blast to center off Walker Buehler and that would be all the support Zach Davies would need as the starter combined with three Chicago relievers to throw a combined no-hitter. Despite the home run, Baez is still mired in a June slump as he's now 8-for-62 this month though half of those hits are home runs.
Jun 17 2021Baez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run during Thursday's win over the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez got the scoring started early by taking Marcus Stroman deep in the first inning. Although it's been a slow month and he is batting .232/.269/.478 overall the season, Baez still leads the Cubs with 16 long balls and 44 RBI.
Jun 15 2021Baez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run during Tuesday's loss to the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez got the scoring starting by taking Taijuan Walker deep in the third inning. Unfortunately he accounted for Chicago's only runs of the night and went down on strikes in his other three chances at the plate. The 28-year-old was returning to the starting lineup after sitting Sunday and Monday with thumb soreness. Although he has tallied 15 long balls on the season, Baez has seen a tough June so far, hitting 4-for-36 with 18 strikeouts.
Jun 14 2021Baez (thumb) expects to be available off the bench Monday against the Mets and hopes to return to the lineup Tuesday, Russell Dorsey of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez battled thumb soreness throughout last week, missing a total of four games. He'll miss another one to start this week, but the issue doesn't appear to be particularly serious and a trip to the injured list doesn't seem to be on the cards.
Jun 13 2021Manager David Ross said Baez was scratched from Sunday's lineup against the Cardinals because of thumb soreness, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez missed three games last week because of the thumb issue before returning for the first two games of the weekend series against St. Louis. Unfortunately, the thumb soreness has returned for the shortstop, so Ross will play it safe by taking him out of Sunday's starting nine. It's currently unknown if he could appear off the bench in the series finale and he can be considered day-to-day going forward.
Jun 11 2021Baez (thumb) will start at shortstop and bat third Friday versus the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old sat out the three-game series against the Padres this week due to a bruised right thumb, but he will rejoin the lineup following Thursday's scheduled off day. Baez is 1-for-16 with six strikeouts over his past four games, so hopefully he'll rebound after receiving a few days off to recover from the injury.
Jun 9 2021Baez (thumb) isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has been dealing with a right thumb contusion since Sunday, and he'll be held out of the lineup for a third consecutive game. He didn't appear off the bench in either of the last two games but could be available if needed Wednesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. Sergio Alcantara will start at shortstop and bat seventh.
Jun 8 2021Baez (thumb) is not in the starting lineup Tuesday against the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez exited Sunday's game against the Giants after grounding out and was later diagnosed with a right thumb contusion. He sat all of Monday's game and remains out of the starting nine Tuesday, though it's unknown if he could be available off the bench. The shortstop can continued to be considered day-to-day for the time being as Sergio Alcantara mans shortstop Tuesday.
Jun 7 2021Baez is being held out of the starting lineup for Monday's game against San Diego due to a bruised right thumb, but he could be available off the bench, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was forced to leave Sunday's matchup as a result of the injury, but this diagnosis is great news for the Cubs. He'll be considered day-to-day moving forward.
Jun 6 2021Baez exited Sunday's game against the Giants in the seventh inning due to right thumb soreness, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez grounded out to end the top of the seventh inning, and he appeared to be shaking his right hand as he went to the dugout. He was replaced by Sergio Alcantara at shortstop in the bottom half of the frame, and it's not yet clear whether his injury will force him to miss additional time.
Jun 2 2021Baez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and three strikeouts in Wednesday's 6-1 win over San Diego. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The shortstop had three hits in the three-game series against the Padres, and all three left the yard. Baez is up to 14 homers, 38 RBI, 32 runs scored and eight stolen bases through 50 games. He'll look to provide more power in San Francisco this weekend.
May 31 2021Baez went 2-for-4 with two home runs and three RBI in Monday's 7-2 win over San Diego. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez got the Cubs on the board with his two-run blast in the third inning and later tacked on an insurance run with his solo shot in the seventh. It was his first multi-homer game of the season and he's up to 13 long balls through 48 games. The 28-year-old owns an .809 OPS with 36 RBI.
May 27 2021Baez went 1-for-5 in Wednesday's win over the Pirates. He also struck out twice. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez extended his hitting streak to five games and has hit safely in 12 of his last three 13 contests, but the strikeouts continue to be an issue for him -- he has struck out in 36.4 percent of his at-bats during that stretch. The slick-fielding shortstop is hitting .275 with a .817 OPS, three homers and seven RBI during that 13-game span.
May 25 2021Baez went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double and a run scored in Tuesday's win over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Joc Pederson provided most of the offense with two home runs and three RBI, but Baez deliver a solid complementary performance. The 28-year-old is batting .295 this month and has seemingly put his early-season struggles behind him.
May 23 2021Baez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and two strikeouts as Chicago beat St. Louis 2-1 Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was experiencing a quiet evening until he took Alex Reyes 417 feet deep to Center to account for the game's first two runs in the 10th inning. The homer was Baez 11th on the season but Baez will need to improve his .255 average or .293 on base to be an above average option given his propensity to whiff.
May 19 2021Baez went 1-for-2 off the bench with a solo home run in Wednesday's loss to the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez got a breather to start the game but came on as a pinch hitter, then shifted over to shortstop. He managed his 10th home run of the season while he was in there, and the 28-year-old has been hot lately, as he's now riding a seven-game hitting streak.
May 17 2021Baez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Monday's 7-3 win over the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez struck out twice but also managed his ninth home run of the season by taking former teammate Jon Lester deep in the sixth inning. The dynamic shortstop got off to a bit of a slow start and recently missed a few games due to back tightness, but he has his OPS up to .809 and should continue to post very good numbers for the Cubs and fantasy managers.
May 12 2021Baez (back) will start at shortstop and bat cleanup Wednesday against Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was included in the Cubs' initial lineup for Tuesday's 3-2 loss, but the 28-year-old was ultimately scratched to receive more maintenance for his tight lower back. With an extra day of rest, Baez looks like he'll be good to go for the series finale. The fact that the Cubs are deploying him at shortstop rather than designated hitter seemingly implies some confidence in his health.
May 11 2021Baez was scratched from Tuesday's lineup against Cleveland with lower-back tightness. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Less than 30 minutes earlier the lineup was released with Baez returning from back tightness. Manager David Ross said Baez is day-to-day and is not expected to require a stint on the injured list, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports.
May 9 2021Baez (back) is not in the lineup Sunday against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old exited Saturday's contest with back tightness, and he'll receive two days to rest between Sunday and Monday's scheduled off day. Ildemaro Vargas will work at shortstop in the series finale in Baez's absence for Chicago.
May 8 2021Baez left Saturday's game against the Pirates with back tightness, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez went 1-for-3 at the plate prior to exiting with the injury. It doesn't sound like a particularly serious one, but the shortstop could still find himself on the bench for at least one game. The Cubs have an off day Monday, so he'll wind up with two consecutive days of rest if he sits out Sunday.
May 4 2021Baez went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run during Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez went 0-for-2 with a walk (just his second of the season) in the Cubs' 7-1 win in the first game of the day, but he made his presence felt in Game 2 -- he came into the game and reached on a fielder's choice as a pinch hitter in the sixth and later launched a two-run shot with two outs in the bottom of the eighth. The slick-fielding shortstop now has eight homers and 24 RBI this season, matching what he did last season but in 34 fewer games.
May 2 2021Baez went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 13-12 loss to the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez hit one of the five Chicago home runs but it wasn't enough to avoid a wild, 10-inning loss to the Reds. The dynamic shortstop is starting to get going, as he now has hits in eight straight games. Baez has three home runs and 10 RBI during the hitting streak.
Apr 29 2021Baez (hamstring) went 1-for-4 with a triple, an RBI and a run scored in Thursday's win over Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez had missed the previous three games with a hamstring strain, but he looked comfortable legging out his first triple of the season. The shortstop is still batting just .235 but he's talented enough to heat up quickly and start producing elite numbers.
Apr 28 2021Baez (hamstring) isn't starting Wednesday's game against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez worked on the field ahead of Wednesday's contest, but he'll be out of the lineup for a third straight game due to a Grade 1 left hamstring strain. Nico Hoerner will take over at shortstop and bat eighth. Manager David Ross said that Baez was moving well during his pregame work, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. As a result, he'll be available off the bench Wednesday and could be back in the starting nine for Thursday's series finale against Atlanta.
Apr 27 2021Baez (hamstring) will sit for the second straight game and the third time in four days Tuesday against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has been battling hamstring tightness. He was reportedly available off the bench Monday but did not enter the game. Nico Hoerner will make another start at shortstop Tuesday.
Apr 26 2021Baez is dealing with minor hamstring tightness but is available off the bench Monday against Atlanta, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez sits for the second time in three days after feeling something while running the bases during Sunday's game against the Brewers. Nico Hoerner will start at shortstop in his absence, but it doesn't sound as though Baez will be sidelined for an extended period.
Apr 24 2021Baez isn't starting Saturday's game against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez racked up three hits in Friday's series opener against Milwaukee, but he'll retreat to the bench for the first time this season during Saturday's contest. Nico Hoerner will step in as the starting shortstop, batting eighth.
Apr 23 2021Baez went 3-for-5 with a solo home run, two runs and a strikeout in Friday's 15-2 win over the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cubs put up at least 15 runs for the second time in the last three games Friday, and Baez reached base three times in the blowout win. The 28-year-old hit his sixth home run of the year with a solo shot in the second inning to give the Cubs an 8-0 lead. Baez is now slashing .233/.273/.507 with 17 RBI, 12 runs and 35 strikeouts this season.
Apr 21 2021Baez went 1-for-4 with a grand slam and three runs scored in Wednesday's 16-4 win over the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez made the most out of his one hit, popping his fifth home run of the season in the sixth inning with the bases loaded. The shortstop is still batting just .203, but he now has 16 RBI in 17 games, and he should continue to see his numbers improve as he settles in at the plate.
Apr 18 2021Baez went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in Sunday's 13-4 loss to Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez homered as part of a 13-4 Cubs win Saturday and kept rolling in the 13-4 loss. The shortstop is still batting just .214 this season, so he has some work to do to get back to his usual level of production, but he's shown some signs of life lately.
Apr 17 2021Baez went 1-for-5 with a three-run home run in Saturday's win over Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez might have struck out three times, but he made his presence felt with his lone hit -- a three-run shot in the third off Huascar Ynoa that scored both Kris Bryant and Joc Pederson. The star shortstop ended a three-game hitless streak with his fourth homer of the campaign, but he has struck out at least once in 10 straight games and continues to show an aggressive approach -- one that has resulted in a whopping 20 strikeouts over his last 37 plate appearances.
Apr 12 2021Baez went 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Monday's loss against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has been one of the few bright spots in an anemic Cubs offense through the first 10 games of the season, and he has hit safely in four straight contests. The slick shortstop has homered twice with five RBI during that stretch.
Apr 11 2021Baez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and three strikeouts in Sunday's 7-1 loss to the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez provided the Cubs' lone run with a solo shot in his first at-bat Sunday, his third home run of the year. The shortstop has now recorded hits in each of the past three games and has gone 5-for-11 with two home runs, three RBI and five strikeouts during that time.
Apr 8 2021Baez went 2-for-3 with a walk and a two-run home run in Thursday's win over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez hit his second home run of the young season in the sixth inning against Pittsburgh starter Tyler Anderson. The shortstop is still slashing just .200/.259/.440 through seven games, but he's shown the ability to get hot in a hurry, so the long ball could be just the spark he needs.
Apr 6 2021Baez went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts in Tuesday's 4-0 loss to the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez and his teammates couldn't get anything going against Freddy Peralta and a pair of relievers, as the Cubs mustered just a single hit. The 28-year-old popped a home run in Monday's game, but overall he has just three hits and eight strikeouts through his first 18 at-bats of the season. After a disappointing 2020 season for Baez, fantasy managers would certainly like to see him get off to a good start in 2021, but he hasn't really found his groove quite yet.
Apr 5 2021Baez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Monday's win over the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez hit his first home run of the season in the fourth inning against Milwaukee starter Brett Anderson, the second of three long balls in the frame for the Cubs. Like a lot of Chicago's key players, Baez struggled in the shortened 2020 season, posting a .598 OPS that was his worst since his 2014 rookie season. Baez is hoping he can get closer to his numbers from 2019, when he registered an .847 OPS and 29 home runs.
Apr 3 2021Baez went 2-for-4 with a run scored, an RBI and two stolen bases in Saturday's 5-1 win over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After leading off the second inning with a single to left field, Baez swiped second and third base around a Joc Pederson strikeout before Jake Marisnick brought him home. Baez stole only three bags in 59 games last year and has only one 20-SB season on his resume in 2018, but the 28-year-old may be looking to prove he can still make an impact on the basepaths in 2021.
Mar 8 2021Baez went 2-for-3 with a grand slam in Monday's Cactus League game against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez hit his first home run of the spring, and the 28-year-old is off to a hot start, posting a 1.128 OPS through five games. He had a down year in 2020, registering a .598 OPS that was his worst since his 2014 rookie campaign. However, Baez has the talent to be an obvious bounceback candidate in 2021, and that notion will be strengthened if he starts the regular season strong.
Mar 7 2021Baez (forearm) is starting at shortstop and batting cleanup in Sunday's spring game against the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old suffered a forearm bruise after being hit by a pitch Friday, but he's back on the field Sunday after taking part in workouts Saturday. Barring a setback, the injury shouldn't affect Baez's availalbity for the start of the season.
Mar 6 2021Baez (forearm) will participate in workouts and take batting practice Saturday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was diagnosed with a forearm contusion after he was hit by a pitch in Friday's spring game, but manager David Ross confirmed Saturday that the shortstop is fine. He isn't in the lineup for Saturday's Cactus League matchup, but he'll participate in team activities and could return to game action relatively soon.
Mar 5 2021Baez was diagnosed with a forearm contusion after getting hit by a pitch Friday against Cleveland, Russell Dorsey of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez left the game but thankfully avoided serious injury. His exit was merely due to an abundance of caution, as is typical for spring training. He should be back on the field within the next few days.
Feb 27 2021Baez, who could become a free agent after the 2021 season, said he is open to a contract extension during spring training, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Coming off of a subpar 2020 performance, Baez and the Cubs avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $11.65 million contract in January. However, the 28-year-old said "I don't want to play for another team," and noted he is open to extension talks during spring training. The Cubs have decisions to make on a number of core players, including Baez, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Willson Contreras, and it's possible they go for a rebuild and let some of those pieces move on. Either way, Baez will be looking to restore his value with a bounceback 2021 campaign.
Jan 15 2021Baez and the Cubs agreed to a one-year, $11.65 million contract on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Arbitration raises are as much about experience as performance, a fact Baez will be quite happy about following his awful 2020 season. His performance at the plate completely collapsed, as he hit just .203/.238/.360 after posting a .286/.321/.544 line over the previous two seasons. He struck out 31.9 percent of the time while posting an anemic 3.0 percent walk rate. His defense at shortstop remained strong, but it will be hard for him to justify an everyday role if he continues to reach base in less than a quarter of his plate appearances going forward.
Sep 27 2020The Cubs added Baez to the lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox, Russell Dorsey of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. He'll serve as the team's designated hitter and bat fifth. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was initially in line to receive the regular-season finale off, but manager David Ross ultimately changed his mind, deciding that he wanted to have the 27-year-old get some extra at-bats in prior to the playoffs. Willson Contreras will bow out of the lineup to make room for Baez.
Sep 25 2020Baez went 2-for-5 with a double and a solo home run in Friday's 10-0 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez hit his eighth home run of the season to lead off the fourth inning. The Chicago shortstop has had a down year with a .602 OPS, and manager David Ross has experimented with moving him down in the batting order at times, though he batted fifth Friday. Baez is capable of getting hot in a hurry, so perhaps a few good games this weekend could propel him into a productive playoff run starting next week.
Sep 21 2020Baez will start at shortstop and will bat seventh Monday against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: For the second straight game, Baez will hit seventh in the order -- his lowest lineup slot of the season. After briefly appearing to escape his season-long skid with six hits in a four-game stretch from Sept. 12 to 16, Baez proceeded to go 1-for-10 with four strikeouts during the Cubs' weekend series with the Twins. He enters play Monday with a .205/.242/.364 slash line on the season.
Sep 16 2020Baez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, two runs scored and a stolen base Tuesday against Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez started his strong performance with a solo home run in the second inning to record his seventh long ball of the season. It was his first home run since Sept. 2. In the eighth frame, he reached base after being hit by a pitch and swiped his second bag of the season during the next at-bat. To this point in the campaign, Baez is hitting .206/.245/.378 with 20 RBI and 25 runs scored across 48 contests.
Sep 11 2020Baez is not in the lineup for Friday's game in Milwaukee. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez sits for just the third time all season despite the fact that he's hitting .196/.235/.357 on the year. Nico Hoerner will be the shortstop in his absence.
Sep 7 2020Baez went 3-for-4 with a run scored in Monday's 5-1 win over the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The three-hit day marked Baez's first multi-hit game since Aug. 24. The shortstop has posted a batting average north of .270 in each of his last five seasons but is currently hitting just .205 through 156 at-bats in 2020. Perhaps his strong performance at the dish Monday can get him on the right track for Chicago's stretch run.
Sep 2 2020Baez went 1-for-5 with a three-run home run in Wednesday's 8-2 win over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez took Nick Tropeano deep in the fourth inning for his sixth home run of the season. The Chicago shortstop is still batting just .200 this season, and he'll obviously need to do better than 1-for-5 at the plate to raise that average, but he certainly has the talent to get hot in a hurry.
Aug 29 2020Baez is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez, who started the last 12 games and went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts during Game 1, will take a seat for the nightcap. Nico Hoerner will step in at shortstop in Game 2.
Aug 24 2020Baez went 3-for-5 with two home runs and three RBI in Monday's 9-3 win over the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez went to work against the Detroit bullpen, hitting a two-run shot off Tyler Alexander in the fourth inning then following that up with a solo home run against John Schreiber in the ninth. The 27-year-old shortstop is still off to a slow start by his standards with a .219 batting average and .684 OPS, but a game like this could be just what he needs to get rolling.
Aug 16 2020Baez is not in Sunday's lineup against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez is 0-for-14 with seven strikeouts over his last three games, so he will head to the bench for a rare breather. Jason Kipnis starts at second base while Nico Hoerner slides over to shortstop.
Aug 5 2020Baez went 2-for-4 with two RBI in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez looked more like his normal self Wednesday after going 0-for-7 with four strikeouts in the first two games of the series against Kansas City. His .229 average and .728 OPS for the season are below his usual marks, but the 27-year-old is capable of going on a hot streak at any moment.
Aug 3 2020Baez went 1-for-5 with a game-winning single in the 11th inning against the Pirates on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez scuffled at the plate until the 11th inning, when he delivered a one-out single to bring home the runner who started the frame on second base. The young shortstop is slashing .243/.300/.541 through nine games, and those numbers should continue to rise.
Aug 1 2020Baez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, an additional run scored, a walk and two strikeouts in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez got off to a slow start this season, but he has been seeing the ball better of late -- the slugging infielder has recorded hits in four of his last five games, going 6-for-20 with three homers, two doubles and five RBI during that stretch.
Jul 28 2020Baez went 3-for-5 with two home runs, a double, three RBI and three runs scored Tuesday against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez came through with both of his home runs late in the game -- one in the seventh inning, the other in the ninth -- to help secure a win for the Cubs. They were his first two long balls of the season, though he now has two multi-hit efforts five games into the campaign. He'll look to stay hot on Wednesday as the team continues its series in Cincinnati.
Jul 25 2020Baez went 2-for-4 with a run scored in Saturday's loss to the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez went 0-for-4 in Friday's season opener but bounced back quickly. He remains one of the most potent offensive players in the league and should produce good counting stats in the heart of a strong Chicago lineup.
Apr 16 2020Baez posted a .429/.500/.786 slash line with three home runs in 11 Cactus League games before play was suspended. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The electric 27-year-old wasted no time getting into a groove this spring, though it's unclear when he or any other MLB players will be able to take the field again due to the coronavirus pandemic. When play is able to resume, Baez should quickly return to posting elite numbers for the Cubs.
Mar 1 2020Baez went 2-for-2 with a walk and a solo home run in Sunday's Cactus League game against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez looks great in the early going, as he now has two home runs and an absurd 1.914 OPS through five Cactus League games. The 27-year-old has established himself as an MVP-caliber player and should post elite numbers once again in 2020.
Feb 20 2020Manager David Ross said there are no lingering issues with Baez's thumb, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. "He's told me no. I've asked him that. I asked him that a while back with the training in the offseason, and I haven't heard anything from our training staff on that subject. So as far as I know, he's 100 percent." ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A hairline fracture in Baez's left thumb kept the 27-year-old sidelined for the majority of September last season, but it doesn't sound like there are any concerns regarding the injury heading into the 2020 season. Baez, who avoided arbitration by signing a one-year, $10 million contract with the Cubs earlier in the offseason, hit .281/.316/.531 with 29 home runs and 11 stolen bases in 138 games in 2019.
Jan 10 2020Baez reached an agreement with the Cubs for a one-year, $10 million deal Friday, avoiding arbitration, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez took a small step back from the MVP-candidate form he showed in 2018 but was still quite good last season, hitting .281/.316/.531 with 29 homers and 11 steals. He missed most of September with a hairline fracture on his left thumb. It's not yet clear if the injury will affect him in any way heading into spring training.
Sep 25 2019Manager Joe Maddon said he doesn't plan on using Baez (thumb) the rest of the season, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This isn't all too surprising, as the Cubs are essentially eliminated from the playoffs. The shortstop put together another stellar season for Chicago, slashing .281/.316/.531 with 29 home runs and 11 steals in 136 games. Nico Hoerner should continue to fill in at shortstop for Baez.
Sep 24 2019Baez (thumb) is still having issues catching throws, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez played catch Tuesday, and the session evidently didn't go particularly well. It's unclear whether he'll be able to return from a broken thumb before the end of the regular season.
Sep 21 2019Baez is hoping to return to the Cubs' lineup Tuesday against the Pirates, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez made a surprise appearance as a pinch hitter Saturday, creating some optimism that he can return to the lineup before the close of the season. On the other hand, after the game, Baez told reporters that his hand still hurt but that he wanted to help the team reach the playoffs however he could, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. That said, a potential return for Baez remains unclear.
Sep 19 2019Baez (thumb) has been cleared for light baseball activity, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez is making progress in his recovery, and after his exam Thursday, he has been cleared to pinch run while wearing a protective glove if manager Joe Maddon elects to use him in that situation. However, Baez is not out of the woods yet, as his thumb is still preventing him from taking at-bats or playing the field. A target date for Baez to resume full activities has not been set yet, but it was reported earlier this month that he was unlikely to return before the postseason, and given where things stand with just 10 regular-season games to go, it seems likely that is still the case.
Sep 17 2019Baez (thumb) will be re-evaluated at the end of the week, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez could gain clearance to begin rehabbing if his evaluation goes well at the end of the week. He's been out with a hairline fracture on his left thumb since Sept. 7 and is unlikely to return before the postseason.
Sep 9 2019A hand specialist confirmed that Baez has a hairline fracture on his left thumb, and he's unlikely to play again in September, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez isn't expected to return to action before the regular season comes to an end, so he'll begin rehabbing with the hope of being activated for the playoffs, should the Cubs qualify. With Addison Russell still in concussion protocol, look for Nico Hoerner to see the majority of the playing time at shortstop down the stretch.
Sep 7 2019An MRI revealed a hairline fracture on Baez's thumb Saturday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez suffered the injury on a slide Sunday. He'll be examined by a specialist Monday, at which point a timeline will be determined. It's not yet clear if he has a chance to return before the end of the season or for the playoffs. Addison Russell appears to be the primary shortstop in his absence.
Sep 6 2019Baez will undergo an MRI on his left thumb Saturday, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cubs haven't been able to figure out exactly what is wrong with Baez's thumb since he injured it back on Sunday. He hasn't appeared in a game since. He had an X-ray back on Sunday which revealed no structural damage, so the Cubs will be hoping for more good news from Saturday's test.
Sep 5 2019Baez was scratched from the lineup for Thursday's game against the Brewers due to soreness in his left thumb, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez was in line to return to action Thursday after missing a couple games with a sore thumb and neck, but he is apparently not ready to play just yet. Baez was replaced in the lineup by Addison Russell.
Sep 3 2019Baez (thumb) isn't in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against Seattle, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Baez has been battling both a jammed left thumb and neck discomfort, so he'll be held out of the lineup for at least one more contest. The Cubs have a scheduled off day Wednesday before beginning a four-game series in Milwaukee, so Baez will benefit from an extra day of rest before his status for Chicago's upcoming series is determined.
Sep 2 2019Manager Joe Maddon said that Baez (thumb/neck), who is out of lineup for Monday's game against the Mariners, could also be on the bench for Tuesday's series finale,
Aug 27 2019Baez went 3-for-3 with a walk, two doubles, a home run and three RBI in Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Mets.
Aug 16 2019Baez (illness) is back in the lineup Friday and batting fifth against the Pirates.
Aug 15 2019Baez was scratched from Thursday's lineup against the Phillies due to an illness.
Aug 8 2019Baez (leg) is starting at shortstop and hitting fifth Thursday against the Reds.
Aug 7 2019Baez left Wednesday's game against the Athletics after fouling a ball off his leg, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.
Aug 5 2019Baez went 2-for-3 with a pair of home runs, three RBI and a walk in the Cubs' 6-5 win over the Athletics on Monday.
Aug 3 2019Baez went 2-for-4 with a triple and an RBI in a 4-1 victory over the Brewers on Saturday.
Jul 24 2019Baez went 2-for-5 with a double, solo home run and two runs scored Wednesday against the Giants.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 24 2019Baez went 2-for-6 with a double, two runs scored and two stolen bases in Tuesday's 5-4 extra-innings loss to the Giants.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 19 2019Baez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored in Friday's 6-5 win over the Padres.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 6 2019Baez went 2-for-5 with two runs scored, two RBI and two doubles in Saturday's 6-3 win over the White Sox.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 6 2019Baez went 2-for-5 with two doubles, two runs scored, and two RBI in a 6-3 win over the White Sox on Saturday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 4 2019Baez went 3-for-5 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 6-5 loss to the Pirates.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 1 2019Baez went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Monday's 18-5 loss to the Pirates.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 30 2019Baez is not in the lineup<\/a> for Sunday's game at Cincinnati.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 29 2019Baez will likely get a day off Sunday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 29 2019Baez went 1-for-4 with an grand slam in Saturday's 6-0 win over the Reds.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 23 2019Baez went 2-for-4 with a go-ahead, three-run home run in Sunday's 5-3 win over the Mets.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 20 2019Baez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a triple, two runs and two RBI in the Cubs' 7-4 win over the Mets on Thursday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 16 2019Baez will start at shortstop and bat leadoff<\/a> in Sunday night's series finale against the Dodgers.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 12 2019Baez went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run and two runs scored in Wednesday's 10-1 win over the Rockies.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 7 2019Baez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run during a 3-1 victory against the Cardinals on Friday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 4 2019Baez went 3-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored and two RBI in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Rockies.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 3 2019Baez went 2-for-4 with a double, a solo home run, two runs scored and three RBI in Monday's 8-1 win over the Angels.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 2 2019Baez (heel) is starting at shortstop<\/a> and batting cleanup Sunday at St. Louis.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 1 2019Baez was scratched from the lineup for Saturday's game against the Cardinals with a bruised right heel, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 28 2019Baez is serving as the designated hitter Tuesday at Houston since his right heel still bothers him when moving laterally, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 22 2019Baez (heel) went 1-for-3 with a walk and a solo home run in Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Phillies.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 22 2019Baez (heel) is back in the lineup<\/a> Wednesday against the Phillies.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 21 2019Baez (heel) delivered a pinch-hit, walkoff RBI single in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Phillies.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 21 2019Baez (heel) won't start Tuesday against the Phillies but could be back in the lineup Wednesday, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 21 2019Baez is scheduled to undergo a precautionary MRI on his right heel, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 20 2019Baez (heel) is not in the lineup<\/a> Monday against the Phillies.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 20 2019Baez (heel) will be available off the bench Monday against the Phillies, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 19 2019Baez (heel) told manager Joe Maddon after Sunday's game that he expects to be in the lineup Monday against the Phillies, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 19 2019Baez was lifted early from Sunday's action with a heel contusion, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 19 2019Baez exited Sunday's contest against the Nationals early with an apparent ankle injury, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 18 2019Baez went 2-for-4 with two walks, a double, an RBI and two runs scored in Friday's 14-6 win over the Nationals.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 16 2019Baez went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Thursday's 4-2 loss to the Reds.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 13 2019Baez went 2-for-3 with an RBI double and a walk Sunday in the Cubs' 4-1 win over the Brewers.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 25 2018Baez (upper leg) is out of the lineup against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday.Baez is dealing with a bruise above his knee that he suffered during Tuesday's game when he slid into second base in the seventh inning. It doesn't appear as though this issue should sidelined Baez for any additional time, but manager Joe Maddon could elect to hold him out of Thursday's series finale if there is no improvement. In his place, Ben Zobrist will start at second base and bat third Wednesday.
Jul 24 2018Baez has a bruise above his knee but hopes to play against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.Baez sustained the bruise when he was slid into at second base during the seventh inning. The injury doesn't appear overly serious but it wouldn't be surprising if the 25-year-old was held out of the lineup Wednesday to help mitigate any residual soreness.
Jul 21 2018Baez went 3-for-4 with a steal, a run and a pair of RBI in the first half of Saturday's doubleheader against the Cardinals.Baez has hardly changed his approach, walking just 3.7 percent of the time, but he's having a career year nonetheless. He's setting career highs in all three triple-slash categories (.295/.328/.564). His 19 steals easily surpass his previous high of 12, and he's on pace for 32 homers after previously hitting no more than 23. His 74 RBI lead the National League.
Jul 21 2018Baez was ejected from the second game of Saturday's doubleheader for arguing balls and strikes, Bruce Miles of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.Baez and manager Joe Maddon were tossed for taking umbrage on a checked swing called a third strike that umpire Will Little didn't appeal. After going 3-for-4 with a stolen base and two RBI in the opening contest, the 2018 breakout gem will end the second game with an 0-for-3 and the controversial strikeout.
Jul 19 2018Baez is out of the lineup against the Cardinals on Thursday.Baez will take a seat to begin the second half of the 2018 campaign after participating in the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game earlier in the week. In his place, Ben Zobrist will man second base and bat out of the cleanup spot. Look for Baez to return to the starting nine Friday.
Jul 14 2018Baez went 2-for-4 with a double, two runs and a steal to help the Cubs to a 5-4 victory over San Diego on Friday.A day after launching his 18th homer of the season, Baez continued his excellent first half with two more hits and a stolen base in this win over the Padres. It's been an all-around dynamic showing for the infielder so far in 2018, as this steal gave Baez 18 for the season, which is already six clear of his previous career high. As it stands, he's a legitimate threat to post a 30-30 season.
Jul 14 2018Baez went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run, double and five RBI Saturday against the Padres.Baez extended his hitting streak to a modest four games, and has recorded at least one extra-base hit in each of them. Saturday marked his second five-RBI performance of the season, though he has driven in four runs on three other occasions. Given that, it's not especially surprising that he is tied for the National League lead in RBI, though that's hardly the only way he's stood out through 338 at-bats this season, as he also ranks among the league leaders in home runs, runs scored and slugging percentage.
Jul 11 2018Baez went 1-for-6 with two strikeouts but also hit a solo home run in Wednesday's 13-inning loss to the Giants.Baez generally struggled in this one, but his 17th home run of the season, which came off of San Francisco reliever Tony Watson in the seventh inning, tied the game at 4-4. Because of Baez's power and overall dynamic offensive game, he's capable of impacting any game in just a single plate appearance like he did Wednesday.
Jul 7 2018Baez went 4-for-5 with a solo home run and two RBI in Saturday's comeback win over the Reds.Baez had a great afternoon, launching his 17th home run of the season in the seventh inning as part of a rally that saw the Cubs overcome a 7-2 deficit. The dynamic 25-year-old is now batting a solid .294 with an .892 OPS, and he also has 15 steals, making him one of the most complete players in fantasy baseball.
Jul 1 2018Baez went 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's win over the Twins.The dynamic 25-year-old continued his hot streak, as he's now 14-for-26 over his past six games with two home runs, 10 RBI and 10 runs. Baez has boosted his season batting average up to .290 with the good run and he should remain a strong source of counting stats in a loaded Chicago lineup.
Jun 30 2018Baez was 2-for-6 with two runs and two RBI in Saturday's 14-9 victory over the Twins.After starting June by going 2-for-25, Baez is now 25-for-60 with four stolen bases, 11 extra-base hits and 13 RBI since June 11. The 25-year-old is now slashing .285/.321/.559 with 16 home runs, 59 RBI and is 13-for-14 in stolen-base attempts this year.
Jun 29 2018Baez is out of the lineup against the Twins on Friday.Baez will retreat to the bench, and likely land on the paternity list, following the birth of his son prior to Friday's contest. Look for the Cubs to officially place him on leave in the coming hours. In his place, Ben Zobrist will man second base and bat third in the order.
Jun 28 2018Baez went 3-for-5 with a double, two runs scored and one RBI in an 11-5 win over the Dodgers on Thursday.Baez is 9-for-14 with six runs scored, two homers, and six RBI over the last three games and has brought his season batting average to .285. The 25-year-old middle infielder has 40 extra-base hits, 13 stolen bases, 57 RBI, and 49 runs scored. Baez has produced in nearly every fantasy category and has been a real threat at the plate for most of the season.
Jun 27 2018Baez went 4-for-5 with two home runs, a double and five RBI in Tuesday's win over the Dodgers.Baez's offensive explosion started with a solo home run in the fifth inning before hitting a grand slam in the sixth to effectively put the game out of reach. It's been a career-best season thus far for the 25-year-old, as he's sporting a solid .276/.315/.555 slash line to go along with 16 homers and 56 RBI.
Jun 25 2018Baez is starting at shortstop and batting fifth in Monday's game against the Dodgers.With Addison Russell getting the night off, Baez slides over from second base and Ben Zobrist takes over at the keystone. Baez is batting a robust .269/.311/.530 this season with 14 home runs and 50 RBI.
Jun 24 2018Baez is starting at second base and batting third in Sunday's game against the Reds.Baez got Saturday off as a regular rest day, but he's back in there Sunday. The 25-year-old will also slide into the No. 3 slot in the lineup for just the fifth time this season with Kris Bryant (shoulder) out of the lineup for the second straight day. Baez enters Sunday slashing .265/.308/.527 with 14 home runs and a team-high 49 RBI.
Jun 23 2018Baez is out of the lineup versus Cincinnati on Saturday.Manager Joe Maddon wanted to give Baez a day off sometime this weekend in order to keep the 25-year-old fresh, so look for him to rejoin the starting nine during Sunday's series finale. In his place, Ben Zobrist will man second base and bat third in the order.
Jun 20 2018Baez went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a triple and two runs scored in Wednesday's 4-0 win over the Dodgers.Despite hitting eighth in this one, Baez made sure his presence was felt. He led off the fifth inning with a double and came around to score on a Kris Bryant single. Baez then led off the seventh with a triple and came around to score on a Tommy La Stella hit, giving the Cubs their final run of the afternoon. The 25-year-old is now batting .266 with an .837 OPS this season.
Jun 19 2018Baez (elbow) is out of the lineup for Game 1 of the Cubs' doubleheader Tuesday against the Dodgers.Though Monday's postponement provided Baez with an extra day to recover from his bruised left elbow, it's unclear if he'll be available for either half of the twin bill. For Game 1, the Cubs will roll with the lineup they initially intended to use Monday, but Baez could rejoin the starting nine for the nightcap.
Jun 19 2018Baez (elbow) might be available for the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Dodgers, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.Baez left Sunday's game against the Cardinals after getting hit in the elbow by a pitch. He's not starting the afternoon portion of Tuesday's doubleheader but could to be good to go after a few more hours of rest. Either way, it doesn't sound as if his absence will be particularly lengthy.
Jun 19 2018Baez (elbow) is in the lineup for the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Dodgers.Baez was able to come off the bench in the first game of the day and will return to the starting lineup in the second. He'll end up missing just one start after getting hit in the elbow by a pitch Sunday.
Jun 18 2018Baez (elbow) acknowledged that he's unlikely to play Monday against the Dodgers, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports. "I probably need another day," the infielder said.Baez exited Sunday's game against the Cardinals after getting hit by a pitch in the elbow, and while the injury isn't believed to be anything overly serious, it sounds like he'll miss at least one game as a result. Look for Ben Zobrist or Tommy La Stella to start at second base in his stead.
Jun 18 2018Baez (elbow) is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Dodgers.As expected, Baez will head to the bench for Monday's series opener as he continues to nurse an elbow injury. The injury isn't thought to be anything more than a bruise, so he should be considered day-to-day. Ben Zobrist is starting at the keystone in his stead.
Jun 17 2018Baez's (elbow) injury doesn't appear to be overly serious, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.Manager Joe Maddon stated Baez's elbow went numb after getting hit by a pitch during Sunday's matchup with St. Louis, although he doesn't believe the injury to be significant, per Wittenmyer. Baez's status moving forward will likely be determined after being reevaluated Monday prior to Chicago's series opener against the Dodgers.
Jun 17 2018Baez exited Sunday's tilt against the Cardinals after getting hit by a pitch near his left elbow, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.Baez received medical attention after being drilled by a pitch in the third inning, and he ultimately left the game, although the extent of the injury remains unknown. Addison Russell replaced Baez at shortstop following the injury.
Jun 16 2018Baez went 1-for-3 with two walks and two runs scored in Friday's 13-5 win over the Cardinals.All of the Cubs' big bats were locked in for this one, and Baez joined the fun by reaching base three times. The young infielder is now slashing .256/.292/.517 this season.
Jun 16 2018Baez is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Cardinals.Baez started nine of the last 10 games for the Cubs but will head to the bench for Saturday's contest. Ben Zobrist will lead off and start at second base in St. Louis.
Jun 13 2018Baez went 2-for-4 with a double and a stolen base in Wednesday's 1-0 loss to the Brewers.He was the only Cub to reach third base all game. It's Baez second multi-hit performance in his last three games, but he was mired in an 0-for-17 mini-slump prior to that, leaving him with a .255/.286/.519 slash line on the year.
Jun 10 2018Baez is starting at second base and leading off in Sunday's game against the Pirates.Baez got a day off on Saturday, though he did make a defensive appearance at second base. The 25-year-old will hop back in there Sunday and is leading off for just the second time this season. Baez enters the game with a .254/.284/.531 slash line and a team-high 14 home runs.
Jun 9 2018Baez is out of the lineup against Pittsburgh on Saturday.Addison Russell is back from a multi-game absence due to a finger injury and will give Baez a spell for Saturday's matinee. Over the past four games, Baez has failed to collect a hit, going 0-for-13 with five strikeouts. Look for the infielder to rejoin the starting lineup Sunday.
Jun 3 2018Baez went 1-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored in Sunday's 2-0 win over the Mets.Baez swiped his eighth base of the season Sunday, as he caught the Mets off guard with a steal of home to give the Cubs a 1-0 lead. Despite walking just seven times in 211 at-bats, he's hitting .270 with 14 home runs and 45 RBI through 54 games this season.
Jun 3 2018Baez is starting at third base and batting third in Sunday's game against the Mets.Baez didn't start on Saturday, though he did blast a pinch-hit two-run home run in the 14th inning, giving him 14 long balls for the season. The 25-year-old will be making just his fourth appearance of the season at third base, as Kris Bryant takes a seat for the series finale.
Jun 2 2018Baez is out of Saturday's lineup against the Mets.He has been swinging a hot bat (.310/.341/.595 with three home runs over his last 42 at-bats), but will make way for Ben Zobrist at the keystone against right-handed ace Jacob deGrom.
May 30 2018Baez went 2-for-5 with an RBI in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Pirates.Baez got his team on the board with an RBI single in the first inning, but the Cubs' offense fizzled from there. The 25-year-old now has a solid .271 average and .864 OPS to go along with a team-high 43 RBI.
May 29 2018Baez is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Pirates.Baez has collected five hits over the last three games, including a pair of homers, but he'll head to the bench for a breather after starting seven straight games. Ben Zobrist will start at the keystone in his stead, opening up a spot for Jason Heyward to start in right field.
May 27 2018Baez went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run in the Cubs' 8-3 victory over the Giants on Sunday.Baez had been scuffling a bit in May, but this was the second straight game where he left the yard, and he's now cranked 13 long balls in 188 at-bats this season after he hit a career-high 23 last year. He's not exhibiting very good plate discipline, as his 6:43 BB:K has contributed to an underwhelming .298 on-base percentage. However, he's made up for that with his power, as he's slugging .574 and he's also chipped in seven stolen bases. His free-swinging tendencies just could result in lengthy slumps from time to time, such as the one he just endured.
May 26 2018Baez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Saturday against the Giants.Baez took Chris Stratton deep in the fourth inning for his 12th home run of the season. The effort snapped a three-game hitless streak for him, though he now has two home runs in his past five games. That's a positive sign for him, who has seen his slugging percentage drop off nearly 100 points from April to May.
May 20 2018Baez went 3-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's win over the Reds.He went back-to-back with Kyle Schwarber off Tyler Mahle in the second inning. It snapped a 10-game homerless drought for Baez, who came into the game in a 5-for-35 funk. The 25-year-old still leads the National League in RBI and he's almost halfway to his home-run total from a year ago.
May 19 2018Baez is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader with the Reds.Baez went 0-for-5 with a pair of strikeouts in Game 1 as his May struggles continued and one of those strikeouts leading to an uneventful bench-clearing incident after he exchanged words with Amir Garrett. The 25-year-old still has a solid .256 average and .543 slugging percentage on the season, but he hasn't taken a walk since April 11.
May 13 2018After batting leadoff Saturday, Baez is batting fifth and starting at second base in Sunday's series finale against the White Sox.Baez did well as the leadoff hitter, going 2-for-5 with two runs scored, but manager Joe Maddon will mix things up Sunday, getting Ben Zobrist back in there atop the order. Baez has hit no matter where he's been placed in the lineup, as he comes into Sunday's game with a .283/.320/.623 slash line and 10 home runs.
May 12 2018Baez will bat atop the order and play third base versus the White Sox on Saturday.Baez will lead off for the the first time this season and the ninth time in his career. He marks the sixth different player to serve out of the top spot for the Cubs over the first seven weeks of the year. Over 34 games, he's slashing .278/.317/.617 with 10 home runs and 34 RBI.
May 9 2018Baez (groin) will bat third and play second base against the Marlins on Wednesday.Baez was forced to leave Monday's game due to right groin tightness and was held out of Tuesday's starting lineup, though he did join the game as a pinch hitter. The infielder shouldn't face any restrictions moving forward. Over 32 games this season, he's hitting .290/.333/.653 with 10 home runs, 32 RBI and three stolen bases.
May 8 2018Baez (groin) could return to the lineup Wednesday against the Marlins, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.Baez is available to pinch hit Tuesday, so it doesn't look like he's dealing with a serious injury. If his condition keeps improving, it's not out of the question for him to be back in action Wednesday for the Cubs' series finale versus Miami. Tommy La Stella is starting at second base Tuesday night while Baez rests.
May 8 2018Baez (groin) is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Marlins.Baez continues to nurse groin tightness that forced his removal from Monday's game, so he'll open Tuesday's contest on the bench. Fortunately, the issue doesn't appear to be anything that will keep him sidelined for an extended period of time, as he relayed to Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com that he's available to pinch hit if needed. Tommy La Stella will start at the keystone and hit sixth in his stead.
May 7 2018Baez went 2-for-6 with a solo home run in Sunday's 14-inning loss to the Cardinals.It looked like Baez was going to be the hero in this one, as his ninth home run of the season in the top of the 14th put Chicago up 3-2. However, former Cub Dexter Fowler blasted a walkoff, two-run shot in the bottom of the inning. Baez has home runs in two straight games and has been one of the most productive offensive players in the league in the early going.
May 7 2018Baez exited Monday's game against the the Marlins due to right groin tightness, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.Baez went 1-for-4 at the plate with a home run, three RBI and a run scored prior to being replaced by Tommy La Stella in the eighth inning. It's unclear if the injury is overly serious, but news about his status should be forthcoming. If he's forced to miss significant time, expect Ben Zobrist, Ian Happ and La Stella to contribute in his stead.
May 5 2018Baez went 1-for-5 with a home run and two RBI in Saturday's loss to the Cardinals.Baez has been locked in at the plate this season, as he now has eight home runs to go along with a .283 average and .959 OPS. His career high in home runs is 23, set a season ago, and the 25-year-old could definitely surpass that mark if he keeps this up.
May 5 2018Baez went 2-for-4 with a run scored in Friday's loss to the Cardinals.Baez got a start at shortstop and batted eighth, as Ben Zobrist slid in at second base and batted leadoff. Baez primarily batted eighth early in the season, though he recently had gotten some run in the No. 2 hole. Cubs manager Joe Maddon is known for tinkering with his lineups, so the young infielder will likely move around more moving forward. He's been productive no matter where he's hit, posting a .287/.336/.620 slash line to this point.
May 1 2018Baez is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rockies.Baez will head to the bench for what appears to be a regular day off after staring each of the previous 17 games. He's off to an impressive start to the season, hitting .280/.333/.630 with seven homers, three stolen bases and 26 RBI in 26 games. In his stead, Ben Zobrist will start at the keystone and hit third.
Apr 28 2018Baez went 1-for-4 with a run and an RBI in Friday's win over the Brewers.With his RBI single in the first inning, Baez extended his hitting streak to 10 games. During this stretch, the young infielder is hitting .413 with three home runs, six doubles, 10 runs scored and 15 RBI. Baez is locked in at the plate right now and remains a strong option in all fantasy formats.
Apr 25 2018Baez went 2-for-4 in Wednesday's loss to the Indians to extend his hitting streak to eight games.The Cubs mustered just five hits in a 4-1 loss, but Baez kept rolling along. During the eight-game hitting streak, the young infielder is 17-for-39. He's not just collecting singles, either, as the 25-year-old has six doubles, three home runs and a triple during the stretch. Sit back and enjoy the ride for as long as Baez keeps this up.
Apr 22 2018Baez went 2-for-6 with a home run, double, three RBI and a run scored Sunday against the Rockies.Baez took full advantage of his weekend at Coors Field, going 7-for-16 with two home runs and seven RBI across the three-game series. That performance served as a punctuation mark for his hot start to the season as he is slugging an incredible .736 through 72 at-bats this season.
Apr 20 2018Baez finished a triple short of the cycle in Friday's blowout win over the Rockies, going 4-for-6 with a double, a home run and four RBI.Like a lot of hitters, Baez enjoyed hitting at Coors Field. The young infielder could continue to post great numbers all weekend in the thin air, as he's scorching hot at the plate. Over his past four games, Baez is 10-for-20 with two home runs and 10 RBI. Lock him into your lineup and enjoy the ride.
Apr 19 2018Baez went 2-for-5 with a triple and two runs scored in Thursday's win over the Cardinals.After a bit of a slow start to the season, Baez is now 6-for-14 over his past three games to get his average up to a respectable .250. The young infielder also has a strong 1.023 OPS and five home runs, showing his tremendous power potential. Baez might still be a bit streaky at times, but he's an electric player when he's on, and he's on right now.
Apr 17 2018Baez went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's loss to the Cardinals.Baez has been on a power surge lately, as he now has five home runs in his last six games. The young infielder has generally been an aggressive player at the plate, and while that leaves him susceptible to the occasional slump, it also makes outbursts like this possible. Continue to ride Baez in all formats while he's on his home run binge.
Apr 11 2018Baez went 2-for-4 with two home runs, three runs scored and four RBI in Wednesday's win over the Pirates.Baez has now hit two home runs in back-to-back games. After a slow start to the season, the 25-year-old seems to be heating up. Fantasy players should ride his bat as long as this power streak keeps up.
Apr 10 2018Baez went 2-for-4 with two home runs in Tuesday's loss to the Pirates.Not only were these Baez's first home runs of the year, but this marked his first multi-hit outing of the season as well. Although Baez's .194 batting average leaves much to be desire, the 25-year-old figures to see regular playing time as he aims to get back into rhythm at the dish.
Apr 8 2018Baez is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Brewers.Baez will catch a breather in the series finale against Chase Anderson and the Brewers. Baez started the first three games of the series, going 2-for-8 with three walks, three RBI and four runs scored. Ben Zobrist will start at second base and bat third in his absence.
Apr 5 2018Baez went 1-for-1 with three walks, two runs scored and two RBI in Thursday's win over the Brewers.Baez had been scuffling a bit out of the gates, going just 2-for-18 over the Cubs' first five games, but he put together some great plate appearances Thursday. The three walks are particularly encouraging considering Baez walked just once over the first five games.
Apr 1 2018Through the first four games of the season, Baez is 1-for-15 with a walk and four strikeouts.The slow start includes an 0-for-7 game in Friday's 17-inning marathon against the Marlins. Baez batted .273 in each of the last two seasons, so he'll likely get going soon enough, though manager Joe Maddon could turn to veteran Ben Zobrist for some occasional starts at second base while the 25-year-old works his way out of this early slump.
Mar 31 2018Baez is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Marlins.Baez will get the day off to clear his head after opening the season 0-for-10. In his place, Ben Zobrist will start at second base and hit seventh.
Mar 18 2018Baez (hamstring), who had been sidelined the previous nine days, went 1-for-3 in Saturday's Cactus League loss to the Indians.Baez also made an athletic play in the field to take away a hit, and he said he felt good after the game, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports. "Everything was good," Baez said. "I'm back to 100 percent." The hamstring cramping was believed to be caused by dehydration, and the young infielder should be good to go moving forward.
Mar 17 2018Baez (hamstring) is in the lineup for Saturday's Cactus League game against the Indians, playing second base and batting second.Cubs manager Joe Maddon said on Thursday that Baez would return to the lineup Saturday, so the young infielder seems right on schedule in his return from a tight hamstring. He hasn't played in nine days, but the Cubs were just being overly cautious, and Baez should be good to go for Opening Day.
Mar 15 2018Manager Joe Madden said that Baez (hamstring) will return to action Saturday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.The young infielder was hoping to return Thursday, but the Cubs will instead ease him into action a couple days later. Regardless of his exact return date, it seems like Baez will be healthy heading into the regular season.
Mar 14 2018Baez (hamstring) is hopeful that will receive some at-bats against Arizona on Thursday and subsequently play the field Friday or Saturday, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.The Cubs will continue to take it easy with Baez, but it doesn't appear as though there's too much concern over his status moving forward. Expect to see him back on the field this weekend barring any sort of setback.
Mar 13 2018Baez (hamstring) could return to Cactus League games at the latter end of the week, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.Although Baez has been adamant that he's entirely healthy, the Cubs have been cautious with him, as there's no reason to rush him back into the lineup. Regardless of when he returns to Chicago's spring games, Baez is on track to be active when Opening Day arrives.
Mar 11 2018Baez (hamstring) said he feels "110 percent" healthy, though the Cubs held him out Sunday as a precaution, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.Previous reports indicated that Baez may be out until Tuesday, and that looks likely at this point. Though Baez said he felt ready to return to Cactus League action Sunday, Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said the team is just being careful with the 25-year-old. "This is the time of year where there's zero reason to rush anything," Hoyer said. "He says he feels good, and we'll probably be cautious, and that's the smart and prudent thing to do this time of year."
Mar 10 2018Baez (hamstring) will likely stay out of Cactus League action until the middle of next week, Mark Gonzales of The Chicago Tribune reports.Baez received an MRI on the hamstring, but manager Joe Maddon didn't seem concerned with the results, stating that it was "minimal." Expect the Cubs to continue to take it easy with their infielder with a couple more weeks of spring games on the docket.
Mar 9 2018Manager Joe Maddon said that Baez (hamstring) is still experiences some soreness and is not expected to take the field for another few days, Mark Gonzales of The Chicago Tribune reports.Maddon went on, saying that "(the hamstring) is still bothering him a bit, we're trying to figure out exactly what's going on." This comes a day after Baez claimed he was feeling "100 percent" but is not entirely unexpected given that a hamstring injury typically takes more than a day to heal. Expect Baez to return to action early next week.
Mar 8 2018Baez was removed from Thursday's game with hamstring tightness and will be evaluated further by the Cubs' medical staff in the coming hours, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.Baez began limping around first base after hitting a line drive into left-center in the first inning of Thursday's Cactus League contest with the Padres. Consider Baez day-to-day barring the identification of an additional issue with the hamstring.
Mar 8 2018Baez exited Thursday's Cactus League game against the Padres in the first inning after limping around first base on a double, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.Wittenmyer followed up by stating that it looked like a hamstring injury as Baez reached down for his hamstring while rounding first base. The infielder left Thursday's game with a trainer and was replaced by Chesny Young. Expect an update on his status in the coming hours.
Mar 8 2018Baez said he's "100 percent" after exiting Thursday's Cactus League game with hamstring tightness, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.Baez apparently felt some tightness coming out of the box, and the tightness resurfaced as he was rounding first base. He downplayed the issue, however, saying he simply needs to hydrate more while insisting he won't miss any time because of the ailment. Consider him day-to-day for now; the Cubs have already announced that he'll get Friday off.
Feb 22 2018Cubs manager Joe Maddon suggested that Baez may approach 600 plate appearances in 2018, the Chicago Tribune reports.Ben Zobrist has been battling a back injury early on this spring, and along with Ian Happ, Zobrist represents the potential obstructions to a larger role for Baez. "He's at that point now (that) to get those 500 to 600 plate appearances, (he needs to) organize (his) strike zone, accept walks and use the whole field," Maddon said. Baez will presumably play less at shortstop in 2018 if Addison Russell is healthy, and it still seems more likely that he'll finish closer to 500 plate appearances than 600 barring the improved approach that Maddon suggested. Still, with his combination of power and speed, Baez remains an intriguing player despite the uncertainty about his playing time.
Oct 17 2017Baez is not in the lineup for Game 3 of the NLCS against the Dodgers on Tuesday.Baez is 0-for-19 in the postseason, so manager Joe Maddon will go with switch-hitting Ben Zobrist at second base against right-hander Yu Darvish. Baez will be available off the bench and could see action as a defensive replacement late in the game.
Oct 9 2017Baez is not in the lineup for Game 3 of the NLDS against the Nationals on Monday.The Cubs are going with a lefty-heavy lineup against right-handed starter Max Scherzer, so Baez will head to the bench as Ben Zobrist takes over at the keystone.
Sep 29 2017Baez is not in the lineup against Cincinnati on Friday.Now that the Cubs have secured the division title and a place in the playoffs, Baez will continue to receive a little rest while recovering from a minor bruised knee injury. The second baseman was held out of Tuesday's lineup and then again Thursday after the club claimed a spot in the NLDS, and will now spend a second straight day on the bench while Tommy La Stella picks up a start at the keystone.
Sep 27 2017Baez (knee) struck out in a pinch-hitting appearance in Tuesday's loss to the Cardinals.Baez was held out of the starting lineup due to a knee bruise he suffered in Monday's game, but it appears the injury is not overly serious if he was able to play a day later. Expect the young infielder to log a start as soon as Wednesday.
Sep 27 2017Baez (knee) is in the lineup against the Cardinals on Wednesday.Baez was held out of Tuesday's starting lineup with a bruised knee, but was able to come into the game as a pinch hitter during the loss. He appears to be fairly healthy at the time being, but could wind up getting some rest as soon as the Cubs clinch the division title. For Wednesday's affair, Baez will bat sixth and man the keystone.
Sep 26 2017Baez was diagnosed with a bruised knee after fouling a pitch off himself during Monday's win over the Cardinals, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports. "I thought [the injury] was really bad," Baez said. "I only felt my knee. Afterwards, it was a big bruise and sore. It was like jumping into a cold tub, and my whole leg was freezing."Fortunately for the Cubs, it appears the young infielder was able to avoid a significant setback, which didn't seem to be the case initially after he was on the ground for about two minutes after his foul ball struck his knee in the eighth inning. Baez was able to stay in the game and resume his at-bat, reaching base on a single before the Cubs pulled him from the contest. Baez could still be a little banged up entering Tuesday's contest, but it seems as though he'll have a good chance to play if he experiences no overwhelming pain while running prior to the game.
Sep 26 2017Baez (knee) is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Cardinals.The knee injury Baez suffered Monday is not believed to be serious, but with the Cubs just one win away from winning the NL Central and Baez owning a 4-for-24 (.167) track record against Tuesday's opposing starter, Carlos Martinez, manager Joe Maddon decided to give him Tuesday off. Mike Freeman will get the start at shortstop Tuesday for the Cubs.
Sep 25 2017Baez was removed with an undisclosed injury after a single in Monday's game against the Cardinals, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.Baez immediately motioned for the trainer after the base hit. He was able to walk off the field under his own power. It's unclear what the injury is or its severity, so consider him day-to-day until the Cubs can get a good look at him.
Sep 25 2017Baez fouled a ball off his knee that forced him to leave Monday's game, but he could be back in Tuesday's lineup, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.Baez was able to stay in the game after fouling the ball off his leg, but was removed after singling. If he isn't back Tuesday, expect him back at some point during this current four-game series with St. Louis.
Sep 24 2017Baez is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Brewers.After five straight starts -- a stretch over which he went 5-for-16 with two RBI -- Baez will be afforded a day of rest ahead of the series finale against Chase Anderson and the Brewers.
Sep 17 2017Baez is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.Baez has started 10 of the past 11 games, but he'll head to the bench as the Cubs look to sweep the series against the Cardinals. Though he's able to play a number of positions, Baez figures to see a downtick in playing time following fellow shortstop Addison Russell's activation from the disabled list Saturday.
Sep 13 2017Baez went 4-for-5 with a solo homer and three runs scored in Wednesday's 17-5 shellacking of the Mets.He hadn't produced a multi-hit game since Sept. 2, and Baez had put up just a .217/..280/.304 line over the Cubs' last nine games -- three of which saw him excluded from the stating lineup. Nonetheless, the 24-year-old infielder has enjoyed a breakout campaign this year, setting new personal bests across the board: hits (117), doubles (22), homers (22), RBI (69), runs (69) and OPS (.806).
Sep 5 2017Baez (thumb) is starting at shortstop and hitting sixth Tuesday against the Pirates.He was scratched from Monday's lineup with a sore thumb, but it appears to have been a minor issue. With Addison Russell (plantar fasciitis) out at least a couple more weeks, Baez should start at shortstop every day over the next four or five series.
Sep 4 2017Baez was scratched from Monday's lineup against the Pirates due to a sore thumb, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.While Baez was originally in the starting lineup for Monday's series opener, he appears to have aggravated his thumb during pregame warmups, resulting in his removal from the lineup. The issue doesn't appear to be anything overly serious, and the Cubs are hoping he'll be available off the bench Monday. Consider Baez day-to-day for now; Mike Freeman is now starting at shortstop in his place.
Sep 4 2017Baez (blurred vision) is back in the lineup Monday against the Pirates.Baez had to exit Sunday's game following a collision at second base, and that resulted in a precautionary trip to the hospital where he reported suffering from blurred vision. Despite the early symptoms, manager Joe Maddon came out and said after the game that he didn't expect Baez to miss much time. Maddon's assessment will turn out to be accurate, as Baez will bat eighth and start at shortstop the day after the collision. Fantasy owners currently benefiting from his career-best home run (21) and RBI (67) totals can breathe a sigh of relief.
Sep 4 2017Cubs manager Joe Maddon said that Baez was suffering from blurred vision after exiting Sunday's loss to the Braves following a collision, but he doesn't expect the infielder to miss much time, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.Baez was examined at a local hospital after exiting the contest, but it seems that was just for precautionary purposes. The 24-year-old has settled in as the Cubs' everyday shortstop while Addison Russell (foot) has been sidelined by injury, but in the event Baez is unavailable for the next few days, Ben Zobrist or Mike Freeman could make some starts time at the position.
Sep 3 2017Baez was forced to exit Sunday's game following a collision at second base, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.Baez appeared to take a knee to the head in the collision, and wasn't quite himself afterwards. Look for the team to clarify his status when more information is known, but for now, Mike Freeman will take over at shorstop. Baez drew a walk in his only at-bat prior to the early exit.
Sep 2 2017Baez went 2-for-5 with a double, a solo home run, two RBI and two runs during Saturday's win over Atlanta.Baez posted a .290/.339/.523 slash line with seven homers, 25 RBI, five stolen bases and 21 runs in August, and Saturday's gem has his strong month continuing into September. There is a lot of game-to-game inconsistency with Baez, but he offers rare cross-category upside and high-end power potential from the middle infield. His eligibility at multiple positions shouldn't be overlooked, either.
Sep 1 2017Baez will likely continue receiving the bulk of the starts at shortstop after Addison Russell aggravated his plantar fasciitis, Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago reports.Russell's setback is expected to keep him out another three weeks, meaning Baez should keep getting most of his playing time at short. "To help the team, I will do anything," Baez said. "Playing short is my natural position, so I shouldn't have any problems with it." Baez batted .290 in August with seven home runs, 21 runs scored and 25 RBI, so fantasy owners hope he can carry over that success into September.
Aug 30 2017Baez went 2-for-5 with a double, two RBI, a pair of steals -- including one of home plate -- and three runs in Wednesday's 17-3 blowout win over the Pirates.With the Cubs down 2-1 in the second inning, Baez created a run with his legs -- first reaching on an error, then stealing second and moving to third on another error, and finally taking a massive lead and then bolting for home when Pirates catcher Chris Stewart threw to third base. The Cubs ended up opening the floodgates, relegating Baez's heroics to a footnote, but his fantasy owners have to be feeling appreciative. After all, he's delivered a terrific August, hitting .291 with seven homers, five steals, 24 RBI and 21 runs through 27 games.
Aug 25 2017Baez went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Thursday's loss to the Reds.Baez is rolling this month with a .305/.337/.598 slash line, and he's failed to record a hit just three times in 21 games. The 24-year-old has already set career highs in runs, home runs and RBI, and his ability to play multiple options makes him an attractive option for the Cubs and fantasy owners alike down the stretch.
Aug 23 2017Baez went 2-for-5 with a pair of RBI and a pair of runs against the Reds on Tuesday.He's provided a rock-solid bat for the Cubs and fantasy owners of late, hitting .297/.333/.622 with seven homers, three steals, 21 RBI and 16 runs over his last 19 games. At 24 years old, Baez just coming into his own as a hitter, and the best may be yet to come. If he can find a way to improve his plate discipline, look out.
Aug 18 2017Baez went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in Friday's win over the Blue Jays.He also made an outstanding defensive play in the ninth to rob Jose Bautista of a base hit. Baez has hit home runs in consecutive games and four homers in his last six starts, giving him an even 20 for the season. The 24-year-old is batting close to .300 since July 1, but he's struck in roughly one-third of his plate appearances since that date.
Aug 17 2017Baez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run during Thursday's loss to Cincinnati.With 19 round trippers for the campaign, Baez is quickly closing in on the 20-homer mark. He's really turned up his production in the second half and has nine home runs, 20 RBI and 17 runs through his past 25 games. Baez is taking advantage of his full-time role with Addison Russell (foot) on the disabled list, and the versatile infielder is building a strong case to be moved to the keystone and continue to playing every day when Russell returns.
Aug 14 2017Baez went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run and two runs scored during Monday's win over Cincinnati.Baez now has six bombs, 15 RBI and 11 runs through his past 15 games, but it has to be noted that Monday's shot was off Scooter Gennett and not a pitcher. Additionally, Baez stuck out twice and looked particularly foolish swinging at a pitch in the opposite batter's box for strike three in one at-bat. Still, with eligibility at multiple positions and a power-speed profile, Baez is a serviceable fantasy asset in the majority of settings. He's sporting a solid .272/.312/.498 slash line, after all.
Aug 13 2017Baez went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer in Sunday's 7-2 win over Arizona.The infielder continues to build upon his career-high home run total, as he's now up to 17 on the season. Baez's .270 average, 52 RBI and eligibility at multiple infield positions make him a serviceable fantasy asset in all but the shallowest of formats.
Aug 7 2017Baez went 1-for-4 with a two-run, inside-the-park home run during Monday's win over San Francisco.Baez hit two balls that likely would have been homers in most parks, and he also struck out twice swinging at pitches that were in the opposite batter's box. It's frustrating to watch, but his fantasy numbers are trending in the right direction. Despite his all-or-nothing approach, Baez sports a serviceable .268/.311/.493 slash line with 16 homers, 48 RBI, five stolen bases and 44 runs.
Aug 3 2017Baez went 2-for-3 with a triple, two runs scored and a stolen base during Thursday's loss to the Diamondbacks.There are a lot of holes in Baez's swing, and his approach at the plate could use some fine-tuning. However, he continues to provide serviceable fantasy numbers with 14 homers, 43 RBI, 42 runs and a .266/.307/.481 slash line. It's worth noting that Baez owns the speed to steal more bases, so it's not out of the question to see him pad that total moving forward. His four stolen bases are well behind the 12 he stole last season.
Aug 2 2017Baez went 1-for-5 with a three-run home run in Tuesday's win over the Diamondbacks.Baez proved that you only need to connect on one pitch to be productive sometimes. He's hitting just .188 over his last 10 games but he has three home runs and seven RBI during that stretch, making the youngster a fairly boom or bust fantasy option at the moment.
Jul 27 2017Baez is out of the lineup for Thursday's series finale against the White Sox.Baez retreats to the bench for the second consecutive day after going 0-for-5 with five strikeouts in Tuesday's win over the cross-town rivals. Ben Zobrist earns another start at second while Addison Russell and Kris Bryant man the left side of the infield.
Jul 26 2017Baez is not in the lineup Wednesday against the White Sox.Baez looked lost in Tuesday's win, as he wound up striking out five times in as many trips to the plate. He'll hit the bench to clear his head, allowing Ben Zobrist to move back to second base.
Jul 22 2017Baez is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Cardinals.Baez will head to the bench for the second time since the All-Star break with Kris Bryant (finger) returning to third and Ben Zobrist and Addison Russell up the middle. With 11 hits (including two homers) in his last five starts, Baez has raised his average from .252 to .274, but given the Cubs' current roster construction, it seems likely that he will continue to sit at least once a week.
Jul 19 2017Baez went 3-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 5-1 win over the Braves.That's now three straight multi-hit performances for Baez, who's boosted his batting average by 15 points to .271 since the All-Star break. The 24-year-old also has 11 homers and a .778 OPS on the season, putting him on pace to set career highs in those categories.
Jul 19 2017Baez went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in Wednesday's win against the Braves.The young utility man continues to swing a hot bat, as Wednesday's clout marked his second homer in as many days and he now holds a .928 OPS over the past 14 games. With Kris Bryant (finger) day-to-day for the time being, Baez seems to be in line to continue getting regular at-bats, although given how hot he's been as of late, it's hard to believe he won't be a staple in the lineup even when Bryant is back in action.
Jul 18 2017Baez went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored in Monday's win over the Braves.Baez started at short stop in this one with Ben Zobrist at the keystone, then shifted over to second when Addison Russell made a pinch-hitting appearance. With Russell hitting just .233 and the veteran Zobrist needing regular days off, expect Baez to keep getting plenty of starts for the Cubs, albeit in more of a utility role.
Jul 16 2017Baez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Orioles, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.Baez was in the lineup for the Cubs' first two games out of the All-Star break, but despite rebounding nicely from an 0-for-4, three-strikeout showing Friday with three hits and a walk Saturday, he'll take a seat in the series finale. Ben Zobrist receives the nod at the keystone.
Jul 4 2017Baez is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Rays.Baez had collected back-to-back starts at the keystone, but will take a seat despite collecting a three-hit performance in his last outing. The return of Jason Heyward to the lineup will send utility man Ben Zobrist back to the infield, representing another body Baez will have to compete with for starts. Manager Joe Maddon will surely find creative ways to give Baez regular playing time, however, as he's solid defensively and currently owns a .756 OPS -- a figure that would be the best mark of his career if it holds up.
Jul 3 2017Baez went 3-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI in Sunday's win over the Reds.Baez entered Sunday just 1-for-16 over his last five games, so it was nice to see the youngster string a few hits together. With Ben Zobrist back in the mix at second base after returning from a wrist injury over the weekend, Baez could be squeezed a bit for playing time. However, his versatility should get him into the lineup on a fairly regular basis, and he's capable of putting up big games like he did on Sunday.
Jun 21 2017Baez is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Padres, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.Ian Happ will take over at second base Wednesday, pushing Baez to the bench for the second time in eight games. On the heels of a .291/.303/.570 month of May, Baez has taken a step back in June, slashing .227/.277/.432. He should continue to see regular time, but Baez is still not quite an everyday player even with Ben Zobrist (wrist) on the DL.
Jun 13 2017Baez is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Mets.Baez is 0-for-10 with five strikeouts over his last four games, so he'll head to the bench to clear his head. Ian Happ will start at second base in his stead, batting second.
Jun 9 2017Bruce Miles of the Chicago Daily HeraldBaez is batting sixth and playing shortstop Friday, Bruce Miles reports.Addison Russell was already sharing time with Baez and was not with the Cubs on Thursday due to an upcoming investigation by the league into a domestic violence accusation. Baez is 4-for-15 with one home run and three RBI to start June and will face the Rockies' German Marquez in the matinee clash.
Jun 3 2017Baez went 2-for-3 with a solo homer Saturday against the Cardinals.Baez blasted his ninth bomb of the campaign off Mike Leak to help the Cubs earn a divisional win. He's now homered four time over his last 11 games, and although his batting average and on-base percentages leave much to be desired, his .507 slugging percentage makes gives him value in fantasy lineups.
Jun 1 2017Baez went 1-for-3 with a RBI in a 2-1 loss to the Padres on Wednesday.Chicago's offense as a whole has been dormant lately, which limits the potential of players like Baez near the bottom of the order. The Cubs have too many good hitters to stay sluggish for long, though, so the runs and RBIs should start coming for Baez and others.
May 29 2017Baez went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Monday's 5-2 loss to the Padres.To be fair, nobody in the Chicago lineup could muster much offense in this one, as they racked up just three knocks overall. Baez's big power stroke often leads to swings and misses (24.7 percent strikeout rate), so he'll have days like this. The young utility player has been better in May at the plate and has been one of Chicago's more consistent hitters this year. His power and stellar defense should continue to allow him to play regularly in this crowded lineup.
May 28 2017Baez will hit atop the order Sunday against the Dodgers.Baez hit from the leadoff spot earlier this week, but was bumped back down in the order in his subsequent starts. With Ben Zobrist (wrist) still ailing, however, Baez will get another chance to set the table. He owns a .819 OPS against left-handed pitching this year, and 13 of his 22 RBI have came against southpaws, both numbers that work in his favor matching up against tough left-hander Clayton Kershaw.
May 27 2017Baez went 1-for-3 in Friday's 4-0 loss to the Dodgers.Despite a drop to eighth in the order, Baez managed to notch one of the Cubs' only two hits on the night against Alex Wood and a pair of relievers. The 24-year-old has broken out in May after a slow start to the season, slashing .311/.325/.595 with six homers and 17 RBI.
May 25 2017Baez is batting eighth and playing shortstop Thursday against the Giants.Baez is filling in for the scuffling Addison Russell but slides down the order -- compared to leadoff Wednesday -- against right-hander Jeff Samardzija due to his handedness. Still, Baez is 8-for-13 with two home runs and eight RBI in his last four starts, which explains why manager Joe Maddon wants to keep him active.
May 24 2017Baez will man second base and lead off for the Cubs in Wednesday's game against the Giants.Baez tore it up in the series opener Monday when lefty Ty Blach started for the Giants, going 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBI. With another lefty on the hill Wednesday in Matt Moore, manager Joe Maddon will reward Baez with an assignment at the top of the order. The versatile infielder still doesn't have a clear path to an everyday role, but he should be a mainstay in the lineup against southpaws.
May 23 2017Baez went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run in Monday's loss to the Giants.Baez started at second and batted eighth, as Ben Zobrist got the start in left field. While Baez doesn't have an everyday position, he plays (and produces) enough to be a valuable fantasy commodity.
May 19 2017Baez is batting seventh and playing shortstop Friday against the Brewers.He stuffed the box score Thursday, going 3-for-5 with a grand slam and five RBI. Addison Russell, who's sitting Friday, has been erratic this year, and Baez has five home runs in May. Even when Jason Heyward (hand) returns, Baez probably will plug in for at least two starts per week. In the meantime, he'll get a chance against Brewers call-up Paolo Espino.
May 18 2017Baez went 3-for-5 with a grand slam, five RBI and two runs during Thursday's win over Cincinnati.This was a juicy matchup for Baez with the wind blowing out at Wrigley Field and facing a rookie southpaw. After posting a .359 wOBA against left-handed hurlers last year, he'd struggled against them this season and had positive regression of his .200 mark entering Thursday's game. Baez can be a frustrating fantasy own, but he's been scorching hot in May with five homers, 14 RBI, 11 runs and two stolen bases. He's probably never going to hit for a plus average, but Baez can provide solid counting stats. His eligibility at multiple position is also a sneaky asset.
May 18 2017Baez is hitting seventh and playing second base Thursday.The utility infielder jumps back into the lineup as Ian Happ moves to left field to spell Kyle Schwarber. Baez will stare down Reds left-hander Amir Garrett. Though he's struggled against southpaws so far in 2017 (.176/.243/.294), he boasts a career .263/.328/.433 against them, and his presence in the lineup makes him worth starting in DFS and daily-transaction leagues.
May 17 2017Baez is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Reds.Baez had started seven straight contests, but he only batted .115 with six strikeouts in that span, so he'll head to the bench for a night off. Ben Zobrist will take over at second base now that he's healthy again.
May 10 2017Baez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 8-1 win over the Rockies in the second game of their doubleheader.Baez hit his fifth home run of the season off Colorado reliever Mike Dunn, who entered the game with a 1.08 ERA and no home runs allowed this year. Playing time is still a bit of an issue with Baez, but he's a dynamic offensive player whenever he's in the lineup.
May 8 2017Baez went 2-for-8 with a solo home run and two RBI in Sunday's 18-inning 5-4 win against the Yankees.Baez got off to a slow start to the season but has picked it up a bit of late, and three of his four homers on the season have come in May. He's also added 12 RBI in 97 plate appearances as Chicago's super-utility man. The power is certainly real, but unless Baez drops his high 26.8 percent strikeout rate, his average isn't likely to help fantasy owners much. His power and positional flexibility are his greatest assets.
May 7 2017Baez is starting at second base and batting ninth in Sunday night's game against the Yankees.Manager Joe Maddon has starting pitcher Jon Lester hitting eighth, so Baez slots in at the bottom of the order, while Ben Zobrist is in right and batting cleanup. Baez went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored on Saturday.
May 4 2017Baez is in the Cubs' lineup at second base and batting seventh Thursday.The interesting hitter isn't always starting, but when he does, fantasy players typically should use him. Baez is coming off a 4-for-4 effort Tuesday and is batting .271/.325/.500 in 78 plate appearances heading into a matchup with the Phillies' Zach Eflin.
May 3 2017Baez went 4-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored and three RBI in Tuesday's win over the Phillies.Baez filled the stat sheet from the No. 9 spot in the order and raised his slash line to .269/.315/.507. He's receiving inconsistent playing time so far this season as a utility player, but games like this show the 24-year-old's potential.
May 1 2017Baez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored in Monday's 10-2 loss to the Phillies.The long ball was Baez's second of the year and came in the fifth inning off starter Vince Velasquez. The Chicago utility man was filling in at shortstop for the resting Addison Russell. Inconsistent playing time may be the reason for Baez's slow start (.222/.275/.397), but tonight was a good sign moving forward. The 24-year-old hasn't had much success against lefties this year, either, hitting just .100 against them (2-for-20).
Apr 30 2017Baez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Red Sox, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.With Eduardo Rodriguez, a lefty, taking the mound for Boston, the Cubs will give Baez the day off. For the season, Baez is just 2-for-20 (.100) against left-handed pitching. Ben Zobrist will start at second while Baez heads to the bench.
Apr 25 2017Baez is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Pirates.Baez is just 2-for-12 on the Cubs' road trip and 0-for-8 over his last two games, so he'll get a breather as Ben Zobrist returns to second base.
Apr 23 2017Baez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Reds.Baez had picked up starts in the Cubs' last four games, but he'll take a seat in the series finale with Ben Zobrist (back) cleared to return to the field Sunday following a two-game hiatus. Though he doesn't have a clear path to an everyday starting role, Baez's ability to play three infield spots will routinely afford him four or five starts a week, making him a safe lineup option in the majority of fantasy leagues.
Apr 21 2017Baez went 2-for-4 with a double, and a solo homer Friday against the Reds.Baez's first homer of 2017 drew the Cubs within a run of the Reds in the fifth inning of a game they'd eventually win in extra innings. Although he got the season off to a slow start, he's now collected hits in six of his last seven games, and he's appearing to heat up, and fantasy owners who may have left him on the bench recently, will likely want to get him right back into their lineups.
Apr 18 2017Baez is batting seventh and playing shortstop Tuesday against the Brewers.The 24-year-old has only started at second base this season, but he'll give Addison Russell a day off by switching to the other side of the infield. Baez is currently riding a modest four-game hit streak, and given his versatility, he could get more looks around the diamond if other players need days off.
Apr 17 2017Baez isn't included in the lineup for Monday's game against the Brewers.Manager Joe Maddon wanted to open up a start for Albert Almora on Monday, so Ben Zobrist will move from the outfield to second base, leaving no lineup spot available for Baez. Though Baez had recorded at least one hit in four straight games, he's gone just 7-for-31 (.226 average) at the plate on the season and is still looking for his first home run.
Apr 13 2017Baez is in the Cubs' lineup Thursday against the Dodgers, batting eighth and playing second base.The infielder returns to the lineup because Los Angeles is starting left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu. Whenever he's starting, the powerful Baez should try to find his way into fantasy players' plans in daily transactions leagues, as well.
Apr 12 2017Baez is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Dodgers.Baez was in the lineup for the series opener Monday with lefty Alex Wood on the mound, but manager Joe Maddon will opt to get more left-handed hitters in the starting nine Wednesday to counter right-hander Brandon McCarthy. As a result, Jon Jay will move into the lineup in center field, while Ben Zobrist will cover Baez's usual post at second base. Baez is off to a bit of a slow start to begin 2017, as he's batting .176 and has yet to record a home run or stolen base.
Apr 10 2017Baez will play second base and bat eighth in Monday's game against the Dodgers.Baez is back in action after getting the day off Sunday, taking over at second base while Ben Zobrist slides into the outfield. The 24-year-old is 3-for-14 with three RBI and two runs in five games this season.
Apr 9 2017Baez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Brewers.Baez checked out fine after an outfield collision with Jason Heyward in the series opener Friday, and was back in the lineup for Saturday's game, going 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored in the win. It appears Baez will get Sunday off for little more than rest-related reasons, paving the way for Jason Heyward to join the starting nine.
Apr 8 2017Baez went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles, a walk, two RBI and two runs against the Brewers on Saturday.He opened the season only 1-for-10 with four strikeouts and had an injury scare Friday, but Baez has loads of power upside and a starting role in a stacked lineup. Although it'd be nice to see him build on this performance in the coming days, fantasy owners should exercise patience with the 24-year-old second baseman.
Apr 8 2017Baez (head) is in the lineup Saturday versus the Brewers.Baez was removed from Friday's game following an outfield collision with Jason Heyward, but he emerged with only a bruised eye and did not exhibit concussion symptoms. As a result, the second baseman will get the start at his usual position, and he'll bat seventh in the order against Milwaukee's Tommy Milone.
Apr 7 2017Baez left Friday's game against the Brewers with a possible head injury after colliding with Jason Heyward in short center field, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.Baez was able to walk off the field under his own power, but was seen shaking his head according to Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Chicago Sun-Times. Hopefully the Cubs are just playing it safe with Baez, but a concussion is a possibility given the collision and how shaky Baez looked in the aftermath. We'll keep an eye on his condition as the night goes on.
Apr 7 2017Baez did not have to go through the concussion protocol for the injury he sustained in an outfield collision with Jason Heyward on Friday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago reports.Baez was diagnosed with a left eye contusion and is optimistic he will be able to play on Saturday against the Brewers. We'll see if the Cubs play it safe with him and give him an off day or use him off the bench, but after a collision that looked capable of producing a major head injury, it looks like Baez has escaped the worst.
Apr 7 2017Baez sustained a left eye contusion in the collision with Jason Heyward that forced him to leave Friday's game against the Brewers.It looked like much worse was possible after Baez took a scary blow to the head in the collision. Concussion symptoms can sometimes take more than 24 hours to make themselves apparent, so Baez may not be out of the woods yet, but the fact that nothing worse than a shiner has shown up in the immediate aftermath is a good sign. We'll continue to monitor his status, but for now, it's looking like Baez might be able to make a quick recovery.
Apr 5 2017Baez is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Cardinals.Ben Zobrist will return to second base Wednesday, pushing Baez to the bench. The 24-year-old Baez has gone 1-for-7 with an RBI and two strikeouts through two games. He figures to continue on in only a semi-regular role, at least for the time being, sitting two or three times per week.
Feb 20 2017The Cubs want Baez to be more consistent in the field before he assumes an everyday role at second base, CSNChicago reports.As manager Joe Maddon put it, he wants Baez to cut down on the "chrome" and focus on making all the routine plays. Maddon added that Baez "has a flair about his game, so I don't necessarily want to subtract that. But just have him understand the routine stuff has to be made routinely well." The 24-year-old often makes amazing plays in the field, but he's still fairly error-prone at this point (see the two errors he made in Game 7 of the World Series). For Baez to grab an everyday role at second base, he'll have to show more day-to-day consistency.
Feb 16 2017Baez could become the full-time starter at second to start the season or sometime during the year, The Chicago Sun-Times reports.Baez's versatility in 2016 was a big boon for the Cubs, but second base is his best position, and it's possible he becomes an everyday player there sometime in 2017. "Obviously, when I get my years in the big leagues, I want to have my own spot," Baez said. Ben Zobrist is in the mix at second as well, but he'll likely spend time platooning with Kyle Schwarber in left field.
Feb 14 2017Baez said he will play second base for Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.Baez appeared at first, second, third and short stop for the Cubs last season, and also got some run in the outfield. It appears he will focus on second base in the WBC, but his versatility could come into play for Puerto Rico.
Feb 8 2017Baez will play for Puerto Rico in this year's World Baseball Classic, his first appearance in the tournament.The 24-year-old will join a roster featuring fellow young stars Carlos Correa and Francisco Lindor. As a likely preview of his role with the Cubs this year, Baez figures to be a super utility player for Puerto Rico. He should be one of the team's offensive leaders.
Feb 4 2017Baez and Ben Zobrist could form a platoon at second base this year, with Baez used against lefties, Mike Petriello of MLB.com reports.While this would limit the amount of time Baez sees at second, he still figures to play plenty for the Cubs in 2017. Last season, Baez appeared at third base, second base, first base, shortstop and left field, and he'll probably be used in a super-utility role again this year.
Oct 8 2016Baez went 2-for-3 with a home run in a victory over the Giants in Game 1 of the NLDS on Friday.Only one run was scored in the game, and it came on Baez's home run in the bottom of the eighth. He slashed a modest .273/.314/.423 in 421 at-bats this year, but for one day at least he's the most famous man in Chicago.
Oct 2 2016Baez is not in the lineup for the team's regular-season finale against the Reds.The Cubs wanted to get Jorge Soler back in action in left field Sunday, resulting in Kris Bryant moving to third base. The corresponding moves relegate Baez to a bench spot but he should still contribute to the team's postseason efforts.
Sep 26 2016Baez went 2-for-5 with a home run and six RBI in Monday's victory against the Pirates.Baez has been a force as a utility guy for the Cubs all season. The 23-year-old now has 14 home runs and 57 RBI in his first full season in the majors. With so much talent in Chicago playing time isn't guaranteed for Baez, but he has proven he can contribute when in the lineup.
Sep 4 2016Baez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Giants.Baez started the first two games of the series, going 2-for-6 with a double and two strikeouts. He'll take a seat for Sunday's finale, however, allowing Ben Zobrist to move in from the outfield to start at second base.
Aug 27 2016Baez is in Saturday's lineup against the Dodgers.After finding himself on the bench Friday, he will get the start at second base in Los Angeles. Baez will face Julio Urias, against whom he went 2-for-2 with a home run and three RBI in an earlier matchup.
Aug 21 2016Baez is in Sunday's lineup against the Rockies.Baez will start at third base and be batting eighth for Sunday's series finale against the Rockies at the hitter-friendly Coors Field. Over the last seven games, Baez has gone 5-for-14 with three runs scored, bringing his batting average up to .278 for the year.
Aug 20 2016Baez is out of the lineup Saturday against the Rockies.The Cubs are usually able to find a spot for Baez, regardless of who is on the mound for the opposition, but when he does sit, it is usually against righties, and right-hander Jeff Hoffman is on the mound for the Rockies on Saturday. Baez has a .910 OPS against lefties this year versus a .707 OPS against right-handed pitchers. Look for him to be back in the lineup Sunday against southpaw Jorge De La Rosa.
Aug 16 2016Baez homered and knocked in two runs in a 2-for-4 game in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against Milwaukee.Baez extended his hitting streak to four games and has two homers in that short span. While his plate discipline continues to be lacking (11:79 BB:K), Baez is supplying great power for somebody with his excellent positional versatility. With 13 home runs in just 321 plate appearances, Baez is showing he has 20-homer power if he can ever find a positional home where he can get consistent at-bats.
Aug 14 2016Baez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Cardinals.Baez has made back-to-back starts at second base, collecting a RBI in each of those contests. He'll get the day off Sunday night, however, as Ben Zobrist will move in from the outfield to play second, while Chris Coghlan gets the starting nod in left field.
Aug 12 2016Baez went 2-for-5 with a two-run homer in Friday's 13-2 victory over the Cardinals.The 23-year-old got in on the fun on an afternoon in which the Cubs pounded out 14 hits. Baez blasted a 386-foot shot in the seventh that drove in Wilson Contreras, his first round-tripper since July 27. The productive outing was a welcome sight, considering that Baez had entered the game in a 3-for-25 slump over his previous seven games.
Aug 11 2016Baez is out of the lineup against the Cardinals on Thursday.Baez will be out of the lineup for the third time in the past five games as Ben Zobrist mans second with Chris Coghlan playing in left field. The 23-year-old has just three hits in 23 at-bats this month, but will likely be back in the lineup Friday.
Aug 9 2016Baez is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Angels, Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald reports.After seeing action in 34 consecutive games, Baez will now be held out of the starting lineup for the second game in the Cubs' last three. His recent struggles at the plate could be a reason why as he's managed just three hits in his last 26 at-bats (.115) to go along with 13 strikeouts. Ben Zobrist is replacing him at second Tuesday, batting fourth.
Aug 7 2016Baez is in the lineup Sunday against the Athletics.Baez will get the nod to start at second base as Ben Zobrist moves out to right field for Sunday's contest. Baez has struggled mightily in recent outings, going just 2-for-22 with 12 strikeouts over the last seven days.
Aug 6 2016Baez is out of the lineup for Saturday's matchup with Oakland.After starting the last four games, Baez will get a day off as Ben Zobrist gets the start at second. Baez could use a mental break, as he's 2-for-22 with 12 strikeouts over his last six games.
Jul 31 2016Baez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Mariners.With Chris Coghlan in left field and Ben Zobrist at second base, Baez will get the day off after making six straight starts at the keystone. Six games in a row actually tied a personal record for Baez from earlier in the season, so the 23-year-old is likely getting a routine day off. Baez is having a solid month of July, slashing .333/.372/.494 to bring his season batting average up to .289.
Jul 30 2016Baez is starting at second base and batting fourth Saturday against Seattle.Baez is getting the rare designation in the four-hole Saturday with Anthony Rizzo out of the lineup on a maintenance day. Baez is currently riding a seven-game hit streak and is slashing .292/.349/.563 with 21 RBI in the month of July.
Jul 25 2016Baez homered, scored two runs and drove in two runs in a 3-for-4 game in a loss Monday against the White Sox.Baez was almost the entire Cubs offense on a night where they lost 5-4. He was hitting a sharp .333 in July entering the night but hadn't shown much power, with just one home run and three doubles in 19 games. Baez also doubled Monday, and his batting line is now up to a robust .292/.333/.473.
Jul 22 2016Baez is not in the starting lineup for the Cubs on Friday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN reports.Baez looks to be the odd man out with the return of Dexter Fowler to the lineup on Friday. Over his last 10 games, Baez is hitting .375 with five RBI and three stolen bases. Baez will most likely return to his utility role with the Cubs for the time being.
Jul 17 2016Baez will bat leadoff for the Cubs on Sunday against the Mets.Baez will hit out of the top spot in the order for just the second time this season, as regular leadoff man Ben Zobrist is getting the day off Sunday. The young infielder is getting on base at a .381 rate since the start of June, so he seems like a logical choice for the job, and can also pack a power threat out of the top spot.
Jul 16 2016Baez commemorated his fifth consecutive start by going 2-for-4 with an RBI single in Friday's 6-0 victory over the Rangers.The 23-year-old turned in yet another solid performance, notching his second multi-hit outing over the last three games. Baez was rewarded with a fifth consecutive start Friday, and figures to continue seeing playing time as long as he continues turning in efforts of the caliber that he's recently been able to muster.
Jul 15 2016Baez is in the lineup for Friday's game against the Rangers.Baez started the Cubs' final four games prior to the All-Star break, and he will make that five in a row Friday, as he gets the nod at second base with Ben Zobrist moving out to left field. Baez has seen the ball well in July, posting a .294/.368/.441 slash line through 10 games.
Jul 6 2016Baez is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Reds.Baez has started three straight games for the Cubs, but will take a seat Wednesday afternoon for a matchup against Anthony DeSclafani. With Tommy La Stella (hamstring) now back from the DL, another threat for infield reps is now on the roster, though it's too early to tell if this will significantly cut into the playing time of Baez.
Jul 5 2016Baez went 1-for-3 with a solo homer and a walk Tuesday against the Reds.Baez's ninth blast of the year got the Cubs on the board in the third inning of a game they'd go on to lose. He's now hit safely in eight of his last nine games, and he's slashing .272/.313/.460 this season.
Jul 3 2016Baez went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Sunday's blowout loss to the Mets.He was the only Cubs starter to record multiple hits Sunday as Noah Syndergaard stifled the rest of the lineup for seven innings. Baez is now hitting a solid .275/.314/.456 on the season as he looks to finally establish himself as a fixture on the North Side.
Jul 2 2016Baez is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Mets.Kris Bryant will take over at the hot corner Saturday while Willson Contreras slides to left field, which results in Baez getting the day off against Bartolo Colon. Baez had made four straight starts coming into Saturday, going 7-for-21 with two home runs in that stretch.
Jun 30 2016Baez went 2-for-5 with a solo homer Thursday at the Mets.Baez's eighth bomb of the year gave the Cubs a 3-0 lead in a game they'd go on to lose. He's now hit safely in six of his last seven games, and he's slashing .269/.311/.456.
Jun 26 2016Baez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Marlins.Baez has made it into the starting lineup for four straight games (at three separate positions), but he'll take a seat for Sunday's afternoon matchup with Jose Fernandez and the Marlins. The young infielder was 0-for-4 with a strikeout Saturday to snap a two-game hitting streak, and is batting .268 in the month of June.
Jun 12 2016Baez went 2-for-5 with two runs scored, three RBI and his fifth home run of the season in Sunday's 13-2 rout of the Braves.He's having an impressive June since becoming a regular member of the Cubs' starting lineup, hitting .344 (11-for-32) with three homers and 12 RBI. Baez's 3:25 BB:K on the season remains scary, but so far in 2016 he's been able to make it work.
Jun 11 2016Baez isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Braves.Baez can now add first base to his resume after slotting in there for Anthony Rizzo on Friday, but will take his turn of rest Saturday. Kris Bryant will make his third consecutive start at third base, while Chris Coghlan enters the lineup in left field, batting sixth.
Jun 10 2016Baez is in the lineup at third base against the Braves on Friday.With Kris Bryant playing in left field since Jorge Soler landed on the DL with a hamstring strain, Baez will man the hot corner while batting sixth in the lineup. Baez has spent a fair amount of time at third base this season and is batting .375 with two home runs and nine RBI in 24 at-bats during the month of June.
Jun 3 2016Baez went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI against the Dodgers on Thursday. He also made a number of strong defensive plays to preserve the Cubs' 7-2 win.Baez has just a 3:19 BB:K, but he's been a valuable member of the Cubs this year, playing left field and at all four infield positions. Manager Joe Maddon is impressed: "I like the fact that when he's not playing, he's ready to play. I go down and bump fists before the game, and he's always right here. He's in the moment. I can see in his face he's happy, he gets it and he knows his time is coming."
Jun 1 2016Baez is in the lineup and batting seventh for Wednesday's game against the Dodgers.Baez will man third base with Kris Bryant moving to left field. After a hot start in April, Baez has cooled off considerably, hitting just .219 with one home run and five RBI in 25 games during May. However, his versatility and above-average defense will allow him to continue to see playing time.
May 10 2016Baez is in the lineup and batting sixth for Tuesday's game against the Padres.Baez will get another start at third base where he has been terrific defensively thus far. The 23-year-old is proving he belongs with the Cubs, hitting .306/.333/.490 with two home runs, including a walk-off Sunday against the Nationals, and five RBI through 18 games.
May 9 2016Baez came on as part of a double-switch Sunday, playing third base and going 1-for-3 with a walkoff solo shot in the 13th inning, his second home run of the season.He's now slashing .306/.333/.490 in 49 at-bats since coming off the DL in mid-April, and Baez's power and position flexibility make him a valuable fantasy asset despite the fact that he isn't in the regular starting lineup for the Cubs.
May 7 2016Baez is out of the lineup Saturday against the Nationals.Addison Russell and Kris Bryant are starting on the left side of the infield Saturday, so Baez will operate in a bench role with lefty Gio Gonzalez on the mound. His .311/.340/.444 slash line is impressive, but after striking out three times in Friday's game, manager Joe Maddon opted to start Baez on the pine.
May 4 2016Baez is in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pirates.Baez went 0-for-5 in Tuesday's game, but he will get a chance to redeem himself Wednesday afternoon. He will play third base and hit sixth against Pirates starter Juan Nicasio.
May 3 2016Baez is in the lineup playing third base and batting sixth for Tuesday's game against the Pirates.With Jason Heyward (wrist) still out of the lineup, manager Joe Maddon decided to shift Kris Bryant to the outfield and give Baez the start against left-hander Jon Niese. Although his well-known strikeout problems still stand (27.3% strikeout rate), Baez has still been impressive early on, hitting .355/.394/.516 with one home run and two RBI while making multiple stellar defensive plays and logging innings at five different positions this season.
Jul 10 2015Baez (finger) remains without a firm timetable for a return, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.While the 22-year-old is taking part in baseball activities -- and has even resumed swinging a bat -- at the team's spring training complex in Arizona, apparently he hasn't progressed to the point where the Cubs are thinking about returning him to game action. The initial estimated window was pretty open-ended at 4-to-8 weeks, but at this point, it seems likely his recovery will extend toward the back end of that timetable if not beyond.
Jun 7 2015Baez exited Sunday's game with Triple-A Iowa early with a hand injury, and went to the hospital for X-rays, Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register reports.Baez reportedly hurt his hand sliding into second base, and it sounds as though the injury could be serious in nature. The X-ray results should be released at some point in the near future, which should provide additional information regarding the issue.
Jun 7 2015Baez suffered a non-displaced fracture in his left ring finger during a game for Triple-A Iowa on Sunday, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.Baez immediately went to the hospital for X-rays after hurting his hand while sliding into second base. The timing is inconvenient, as he appeared to be a candidate for a promotion in the coming weeks. Baez owns a .314/.387/.540 slash line for Triple-A Iowa this season, and he recently started playing third base, which could've further helped his case for a roster spot. He'll now hope to make it back to the majors at some point in the second half of the season, as he's expected to miss four-to-eight weeks, ESPN Chicago reports.
Jun 3 2015Baez will begin playing third base for Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, which adds another level of defensive versatility should the Cubs opt to call up the young slugger, the Des Moines Register's Tommy Birch reports.Baez will have now played shortstop, second base and third base as a professional -- all within a calendar year. This makes sense, as Jorge Soler's ankle injury may result in Kris Bryant getting some starts in the outfield, which would leave an opening at third base. While Baez has been raking at Triple-A (.325/.397/.550), nobody had questions about his ability to destroy minor league pitching. However, he has shown an improved eye at the plate, posting a 24.3 percent K-rate compared to a 30 percent K-rate at Triple-A last year, so there should be renewed hope that he will better handle big league pitching when he gets another crack at it.
Jun 2 2015Baez may be a candidate to come up and DH when the Cubs play in Detroit next week, ESPN Chicago reports.The series against Detroit is just a two-game set, but the Cubs then play five straight interleague road games from June 17-21. Baez has put himself in the discussion for the DH tag by batting .304/.382/.487 with five homers and 22 RBI in 31 games with Triple-A Iowa to begin the season (131 PA), while trimming his strikeout rate with the affiliate by close to five percent from a year ago. Keep in mind, though, that he has benefited from a .385 BABIP, and the Cubs haven't suggested they're thinking about returning Baez to a full-time role anytime soon.
Apr 30 2015Baez is in the lineup for Triple-A Iowa on Thursday, Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register reports.Baez took a leave of absence following the death of his sister. After two weeks away from baseball entirely, Baez reported to extended spring training last Thursday and is now ready to step back in at second base for the Cubs' top minor league affiliate. The 22-year-old will need some time to shake the rust and refine his approach at the plate, and the Cubs seem intent on giving Addison Russell an extended opportunity at the keystone, but Baez could still earn another opportunity before the end of the first half.
Apr 23 2015Baez (personal) is reporting to Arizona for extended spring training Thursday, the Chicago Tribune's Mark Gonzales reports.He had been away from the team dealing with the death of his sister but his return to the Cubs' spring training complex signifies that he is somewhat close to reporting to Triple-A Iowa. The fact that the team called up Addison Russell to play second base only further clouds Baez's prospects for 2015. He obviously needs to work on his approach at the plate, but now there will also be questions about where he fits into the construction of the big league club. Still, his bat is too special to hold down for long if he can convince the organization that he has made the necessary adjustments at the plate.
Apr 19 2015Baez left the team earlier in April due to the death of a family member, and has yet to return to the team, the Chicago Tribune reports.Baez reportedly spoke with hitting consultant Manny Ramirez at some point after leaving the club, and indicated a possible return date of some time in mid-April. The youngster was optioned to Triple-A following spring training, but remains one of the top prospects in the Cubs organization.
Mar 30 2015Baez was optioned to Triple-A Iowa, the Chicago Tribune's Mark Gonzales reports.While Baez no longer qualifies as a rookie after his run with the Cubs last season, he still has a lot to work on at the plate. He hit nine homers in 52 big league games last season, but his K-rate was a cartoonish 41.5 percent. The Cubs will want him to work diligently on his approach in the minors, but he will not face much of a challenge at that level, and will likely be back at the big-league level in short order. Tommy La Stella and Arismendy Alcantara will split the action at second base while Baez is at Triple-A.
Mar 25 2015Despite some reports that Baez claimed he was told he'll make the roster, manager Joe Maddon has "no idea where that came from," MLB.com's Carrie Muskat reports.Maddon likes Baez's defense, and the team could use a good glove in the middle infield, but Baez probably needs a bit more time in the minors to work on his pitch selection and approach at the plate.
Mar 21 2015Baez led off Saturday in a Cactus League game against the Mariners. He went 1-for-4 and stole his third base of the spring.Baez also characteristically struck out twice, which is why the Cubs aren't serious about putting him atop the lineup during the regular season.
Mar 19 2015Baez is not a lock to the make the team, the Cubs' official site reports. According to manager Joe Maddon, "of course there's a chance he doesn't make the team. There's no lock in regard to that. The entitlement program doesn't exist - everything has to be earned."We knew Baez heading north wasn't a done deal, but we hadn't heard Maddon say it yet. "He has things he has to learn how to do yet," the manager said. Baez has struck out just seven times in 26 at-bats this spring, which is a huge improvement over the rest of his career, but he only has three hits. If Baez does start the year in Triple-A Iowa, Tommy La Stella and Arismendy Alcantara would probably share second base until he's ready.
Mar 10 2015Baez connected on his first hit of the spring - a solo home run - in a loss to the Indians on Tuesday.Baez's shot was part of a home run sandwich between Jorge Soler and Kris Bryant that made Cubs fans everywhere positively giddy. The three combined to hit nearly 100 home runs last year, though most of those were in the minors. No one is doubting Baez's power, but he'll need to get more than one hit a week if he wants to stick with the Cubs.
Jan 22 2015Cubs GM Jed Hoyer reiterated Thursday that Baez is projected to open the year as the team's starting second baseman, but added that Baez will have to "earn his playing time," MLB.com reports. "He has to make more contact to stay in the big leagues," Hoyer said.The 22-year-old Baez has impressed the Cubs' brass with his work ethic and focus in the Puerto Rican Winter League, but he'll need to remain disciplined and carry over his adjustments to spring training to solidify his grip on the starting job. Baez admitted, after studying film with new Cubs hitting coach John Mallee, that he was "really late" with his swing last year, and that he is "working on getting the timing back." For what it's worth, Baez has reportedly shed 15 pounds since the end of the 2014 season.
Jan 19 2015Baez may play some third base in spring training, Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago reports.While Baez is slated to begin 2015 as the Cubs' starting second baseman, they will try him out at third as well during spring training. The spot ultimately looks to be Kris Bryant's, the Cubs top minor league prospect, the team isn't expected to recall Bryant until at least a few weeks into the season, which could open up Baez to some starts at the hot corner.
Sep 30 2014Baez is projected to be the Cubs' Opening Day second baseman in 2015, Patrick Mooney of CSNChicago.com reports.The 21-year-old struggled to adjust to major league pitching after his early-August call-up, batting just .169/.227/.324 with a whopping 95 strikeouts in 52 games (229 plate appearances). Despite his inability to make consistent contact, Baez still slugged nine homers, and the Cubs are confident enough in his talent to pencil him in as the regular option heading into 2015. Baez will probably make for a polarizing choice in the fantasy realm next spring, because while his pop is elite for a second baseman, his low average and propensity for slumps will likely lead some to invest elsewhere.
Sep 3 2014Baez was 1-for-3 with a double and a walk Wednesday in a 6-2 victory over the Brewers.The hit breaks a three-game hitless streak for Baez, who is now hitting just .179 on the year. The rookie is struggling to make consistent contact after slugging three home runs in his first three games. Baez will have the opportunity to make adjustments as the everyday starter at shortstop now that Starlin Castro is lost for the rest of the season with a high-ankle sprain.
Aug 26 2014Baez went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in Tuesday's win over the Reds.Perhaps Baez's issues with making contact were even more understated than what was initially believed. In just 21 career games, he already has four four-strikeout showings. The power upside still makes Baez a tantalizing fantasy option in the middle infield; let's just hope he doesn't go the way of Dan Uggla.
Aug 18 2014Baez was 1-for-5 with his fifth home run of the season, a two-run shot in the ninth inning, in Monday's win over New York.Baez has done a whole lot else besides strike out and hit home runs, as he's done one or the other in nearly half (29 of 60) of his major league at-bats.
Aug 18 2014Baez drew his first two major league walks Sunday against the Mets. He's hitting .236/.263/.491 with those two walks and 22 strikeouts over 55 at-bats since his callup.When you look at his minor league numbers (34 walks, 130 strikeouts), seeing this result at the big league level isn't a surprise. The payoff is his big power, of course.
Aug 14 2014Baez hit his fourth home run of the season in a 2-for-4 effort against the Brewers on Wednesday.Baez, who hit 23 home runs in triple-A Iowa, has continued to show his power stroke at the big league level. The 21-year-old has yet to walk in nine games, so his approach still needs refinement, but he's slashing .268/.268/.610 over 41 at-bats.
Aug 9 2014Baez went 1-for-4 with a double and three strikeouts in the Cubs' loss to the Rays on Saturday.With 10 strikeouts through 23 big league at-bats, the contact issues that Baez displayed at Triple-A are plaguing him in his first exposure to big league pitching. Keep in mind, however, that Baez improved each month at Triple-A Iowa throughout the season, so the Cubs may be pushing him through growing pains during the final two months of this season to help his chances of delivering at a greater offensive clip in 2015. Thus far, there has been no indication of a potential move out of the No. 2 spot in the order for Baez.
Aug 5 2014Baez is in the lineup for his major league debut Tuesday, batting second and playing second base.One of the top prospects in all of baseball, Baez's arrival to the major leagues has been highly anticipated. As expected, he'll start in his debut, and the fact that he's hitting near the top of the lineup is a solid indication that he'll have plenty of opportunities to earn at-bats over the next two months. Baez figures to primarily play at second base but could see time at third as well.
Aug 4 2014Baez will be recalled by the Cubs from Triple-A Iowa, and join the team for their Tuesday matchup against the Rockies, Marc Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.Baez was previously not considered to be a replacement option at second base following the Emilio Bonifacio trade, but it now appears he'll get his chance. The keystone is likely where he'll see most of his reps, despite not having much experience there at the Major League level. He may also take some reps from Luis Valbuena at the hot corner, as Valbuena's backup -- Mike Olt -- was recently demoted to Triple-A. Baez is hitting .260 at the minor league level, to go along with 23 long balls over 434 plate appearances. He's worth a look in deeper or NL-only formats for owners that are looking for a power boost.
Jul 31 2014Baez will not be called up to replace Emilio Bonifacio, who was traded to the Braves on Thursday, Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago.com reports.Bonifacio's departure creates an opening at second base, but apparently it will be Arismendy Alcantara who will fills the void, with Justin Ruggiano likely sharing time in center with Junior Lake and Ryan Sweeney. Baez has played in just 13 games at second base as a professional, and GM Jed Hoyer evidently just doesn't think he's quite ready.
Jul 19 2014Baez has played the last two games at second base for Triple-A Iowa, but that doesn't mean a callup is imminent the Cubs' official site reports.The Cubs seems to be flush in middle infielders right now, especially with Emilio Bonifacio due to be activated from the DL soon. It's possible that Darwin Barney is on the way out, but Baez is probably going to stay in the minors for the time being.
Jul 17 2014Baez, 21, is slashing .240/.305/.449 with 14 home runs, 55 RBI and 15 steals through 84 games for Triple-A Iowa.Baez has rebounded after a poor start, and also smacked a towering home run in the Futures Game earlier this week. However, keep an eye on his plate discipline; Baez has fanned 110 times this season while drawing just 28 walks.
May 21 2014Baez went 2-for-4 with two doubles Tuesday for Triple-A Iowa.His season slash line still sits at an abysmal .176/.252/.320, but he's quietly starting to heat up. He is 7-for-19 over his last five games with four extra-base hits, but more importantly he has just two strikeouts over that span. It's a testament to how bad he was earlier in the season that his overall numbers still look bad, but his stock is definitely trending upward, and if he can put a solid month together, and continue to cut down on the strikeouts, we could see him on the Northside sometime this summer.
Apr 21 2014Baez will return to shortstop Monday night for Triple-A Iowa, MLB.com's Carrie Muskat reports.Baez has missed time of late due to an ankle injury, but returned to the lineup Sunday as the designated hitter. It appears he's ready to resume fielding though, as he'll man shortstop Monday night. Although he's off to a relatively slow start in Triple-A, the highly-touted prospect remains a likely candidate to be a midseason call-up.
Apr 20 2014Baez (ankle) is back in the lineup at DH for Triple-A Iowa Sunday afternoon, reports MLB.com's Carrie Muskat.After spending the last week on the DL, Baez (ankle) will be back at it for Iowa Sunday afternoon. The Cubs' top prospect is in his first career stint at the Triple-A level and posted a .154/.214/.423 slash with a couple of homers through the first eight games of the season before going down with the injury. Baez is a superb talent and is very likely to be up with the Cubs at some point this summer.
Apr 13 2014Baez (ankle) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday, MiLB.com reports.Since being sent to the minors by the Cubs in late March, Baez has been off to a slow start in Triple-A, hitting just .214 but adding two home runs to the mix. It's unclear whether or not the ankle injury has played a role in this, but he'll get a week to rest it regardless.
Mar 22 2014Baez says he's fine after leaving Friday's game with a bruised heel, the Chicago Sun-Times' Gordon Wittenmyer reports.The super prospect blamed the injury on his metal cleats and says he won't have to miss any time, after leaving Friday's game with the heel contusion. He will start the season at Triple-A Iowa, where he will work to refine his approach against off-speed offerings, with hopes of getting the call at some point this summer.
Mar 22 2014Baez was sent to the minors on Saturday, Jon Morosi of FOX Sports reports.Baez crushed five homers this spring on his way to posting a 1.048 OPS, but it wasn't quite enough to earn a big league roster spot. He definitely opened some eyes though, and would be a potential candidate for a midseason call-up should the right need arise.
Mar 21 2014Baez left Friday's game with a right heel contusion, MLB.com's Carrie Muskat reports.The injury doesn't sound particularly serious and won't change the Cubs' plan to start Baez at Triple-A Iowa this season. The immensely talented 21-year-old is probably the best prospect in a strong farm system, and he's consistently exceeded expectations since being selected ninth overall in the 2011 draft. As if that weren't enough, he's 12-for-39 (.308 BA) with five home runs this spring, albeit with a 12:0 K:BB ratio. Should Starlin Castro or Darwin Barney struggle early in the season, the calls for Baez will only grow louder. It's unclear how the Cubs would respond to such a situation, and with Baez's 2014 still open to so many possibilities, fantasy owners should be drafting him based on upside, with no expectation for a decent floor.
Mar 20 2014Baez hit his fifth home run of the spring Wednesday, but the Cubs' front office insists he'll begin the year at Triple-A Iowa, MLB.com's Carrie Muskat reports.Even with Starlin Castro (hamstring) possibly opening the season on the DL, the Cubs would rather not start Baez's clock yet. He sure looks ready though.
Mar 17 2014Baez did a "nice job" at second base Monday, according to manager RIck Renteria, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.Baez was making his first start at second base since high school and handled all of his chances without error. He's not expected to make the team out of camp, but the top prospect in the organization is getting closer and closer.
Mar 15 2014Baez is expected to play second base Monday or Tuesday, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.Though he's a shortstop by trade and might be better suited for third base, Baez is going to take a shot at second base. Whatever it takes to get him up to the majors soon.
Mar 11 2014Baez has been practicing at second base and third base and is close to appearing in a game at either position, ESPN Chicago reports.Though Baez's best position is shortstop, the Cubs hope he'll be able to coexist with current shortstop Starlin Castro, so it makes sense that he'd try some other positions. He'll likely start the year with Triple-A Iowa, but any way he gets to Chicago faster would be just fine with many Cubs fans.
Mar 4 2014Baez, who hit his first home run of the spring Monday, could get a few extra looks while Starlin Castro (hamstring) is on the shelf, but the Cubs aren't going to change their long-term plans when it comes to promoting him, ESPN Chicago reports.Castro is only supposed to miss a week or two, so the Cubs could fill the gap with Emilio Bonifacio, Darwin Barney, and the other middle infielders in camp, but Baez of course is the most intriguing name. Castro might already be looking over his shoulder at Baez, so expect him to not be on the sidelines long, even though Baez is not expected to make the team out of camp.
Jan 15 2014Baez is expected to begin the 2014 season with Triple-A Iowa, ESPN Chicago's Jesse Rogers reports.Baez had a big season in 2013, totaling 37 home runs between High-A and Double-A for the Cubs. He has been working as a shortstop in the system, but has struggled there defensively and is blocked at the major league level by Starlin Castro. He could see action at second, third, and in the outfield in addition to shortstop, with the a chance his bat could carry him to Chicago at some point in 2014.
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Dec 6 2013Baez will stay at shortstop for now, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.Though Baez is the Cubs' top prospect he's blocked at short by Starlin Castro. Though Castro had a poor year, he's still young and talented and has the potential to turn it around, giving the Cubs a pleasant problem to have when Baez is ready for the majors. Given that he's already excelling at Double-A Tennessee, Baez could be in the majors at some point in 2014, so Castro will need to watch his back.
Aug 22 2013Baez continues to mash for Double-A Tennessee, but manager Dale Sveum believes it is unlikely he will be called up in September, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.Baez homered twice Wednesday and hit a scorching .432 over his last 10 games, so he is certainly hitting well enough to be moved up. However, he will not turn 21 until December, and thus is unlikely to break camp with the big club next year, so the Cubs may leave him in the minors just to avoid placing any further pressure on the youngster. Though Baez is an unlikely candidate for a September call-up, expect to see his name near the top of most top prospect lists this offseason.
Apr 18 2013Javier Baez has hit a home run on consecutive days.Baez busted out with his best game of the young season on Wednesday as the Daytona Cubs piled on Clearwater. He went 3-for-6 with a home run, two runs driven in, and three runs scored. It's early and Baez still carries a .207 BA and 18:2 SO:BB, but it was nice to see him breakout a bit.
Mar 18 2013Baez was assigned to minor league camp Monday, MLB.com's Carrie Muskat reports.Baez went kicking and screaming, hitting a ton of home runs in his last few days on the team. He probably won't see any action with the Cubs this season, but check back this time next year.
Mar 17 2013Baez hit two more home runs in a split-squad victory over the Royals on Saturday.Baez is locked in right now with four home runs in his last two games, but he's due to get sent to the minors in the next couple of days. He's just 20, so he needs a little more seasoning, but his bat is really exciting right now.
Mar 16 2013Baez hit two home runs in an exhibition against Japan on Friday, MLB.com's Carrie Muskat reports.Baez even called his shot in the ninth inning, telling the on-deck hitter "you're not hitting" before he hit a walkoff blast. He isn't expected to play in the majors this year, but the future is awfully bright.
Mar 10 2013Baez and Jorge Soler are not expected to play for the Cubs this year, not even when rosters expand in September, MLB.com's Carrie Muskat reports. "I personally don't really see it happening in September," manager Dale Sveum said.Baez homered Saturday against the Indians and has had a great camp, but Sveum is convinced that he belongs in the minors for at least one more year. "[Baez and Soler] have to go down and start playing every single day," he said. Baez is the Cubs' top prospect, but he's just 20 years old and only has 311 at-bats in his brief minor league career. He may be a future star, but we'll all have to be a bit patient.
Mar 4 2013Baez fouled a ball of his foot before homering in Sunday's exhibition loss.The team trainer looked at the foot and signed off on keeping Baez in the game, leading to the two-run blast. Baez isn't going to make the team, but the 20-year-old infielder looks like a future star.