Báez (right ankle) scheduled to undergo MRI after painful play at 1st

ATLANTA -- Javier Báez exited the Tigers’ 5-2 loss to the Braves at Truist Park on Tuesday night after suffering an apparent right ankle injury on a play at first base.

Though Báez typically hits near the bottom of the order, he is a critical part of the Tigers’ clubhouse and roster, providing strong defense at shortstop while also filling in for the injured Parker Meadows in center field. If Báez were to land on the IL, Kevin McGonigle would be the only healthy shortstop on the roster until Zach McKinstry returns. The Tigers also have Matt Vierling and Wenceel Pérez as options in center field.

Báez underwent initial treatment and X-rays following the game and is scheduled for an MRI on Wednesday. His status remains uncertain.

The injury occurred when Báez made soft contact on an 82.7 mph changeup to shortstop Mauricio Dubón, who threw high to first baseman Matt Olson. Olson came off the bag to secure the catch as Báez slid feet-first into first base. As his left foot reached the bag, his right cleat appeared to stick in the dirt, and he immediately went down in pain, rolling near the base and punching the ground.

“With the bad throw, I thought he was going to come off the bag, and he did, but he landed. I saw him landing with the left leg,” Báez said postgame. “I was going to dive to skip the tag and I was just trying to stay on my feet, and just my cleat, I kind of got stuck in the dirt, and [Olson] just went straight over. I don’t know how it didn't break to be honest.”

First-base coach Anthony Sanders signaled to the Tigers dugout as Báez remained on the ground in visible discomfort. Assistant athletic trainer Kelly Rhoades examined his right ankle for several minutes, gently moving it as Báez winced.

“I got a little treatment. I [got] X-rays. ... I feel much better [now] than when it happened,” Báez said. “We are set up to get an MRI tomorrow and see what's going to happen.”

Báez was eventually able to put some weight on the leg before leaving the field, with Sanders and Rhoades helping him to his feet and guiding him to a cart as the Truist Park crowd applauded.

“I can put pressure on my ankle and you know once I got out to center field, I kind of [started] to feel much better with better movement,” Báez said, who exited the visiting clubhouse with a boot on his right leg.

Manager A.J. Hinch said the play looked concerning.

“When I saw the video, that one looked scary, I don’t know the severity of that one either," Hinch said, also referring to Casey Mize's early exit with right groin tightness. "[Báez has] got to get checked out. He was in a lot of pain and couldn't go full weight bearing, which is why we got the cart,” Hinch said.

Pérez entered the game as Báez’s replacement, with Vierling shifting from right field to center field and Pérez taking over in right. Pérez hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning for the Tigers’ only runs.

“One never expects to enter a game in that way. You know, for something to happen to your teammate,” Pérez said in Spanish. “You never expect that, but once it happens, you have to face what’s coming, that is what the game is. Thank God I was able to connect on a home run and we just keep battling until the end.”