RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesDetroit — There is a chance both Javier Báez and Jackson Jobe will be back in the Tigers’ clubhouse this week during the series against the Orioles.
But hold on. Neither is ready to return, though Báez is banging loudly on the door.
“I don’t know if Javy is going to check in or not,” Hinch said with a smile. “If he comes tomorrow, he’s going to be in my office wanting to play. We might need to keep him under control.”
Both Báez, who has been out since April 29 with an ankle injury, and Jobe, returning from Tommy John surgery, made real progress in their rehab assignments Saturday.
More: Tigers' Jack Flaherty impatiently waits for OK to resume throwing
Jobe, making his second rehab start for Double-A Erie, allowed two hits and a run in four efficient innings. He struck out four with two walks and threw 54 pitches (32 strikes).
“The reports were very favorable, positive and exciting,” Hinch said. “He did get the volume we’d hoped for, maybe less on the pitches and more on the innings. That’s the bounce back you’re looking for. Every inning, is the stuff staying the same? Is he fatiguing?
“It was 54 pitches, which is light for four innings. But it was because he pitched well, and that’s good news.”
Hinch said Jobe’s next rehab start will be with Triple-A Toledo. In the meantime, he is expected to be back in Detroit during the Orioles series this week getting checked by the medical staff and doing his work with pitching coaches Chris Fetter, Robin Lund and Juan Nieves.
Báez’s return might be more imminent. He ripped three doubles and played six innings at shortstop for Triple-A Toledo on Saturday night.
“After last night, it makes you wonder,” Hinch said. “But the volume of the game is the trick.”
As the Tigers are seeing with Gleyber Torres, who has returned after a short rehab stint, it takes more than a couple of rehab games to get back up to big-league speed. Torres was in the lineup as the designated hitter Sunday for the second time in three games.
“It’s always hard to determine how much volume to build,” Hinch said. “It’s hard to get right back into everyday mode. (Báez) is going to play center field Sunday and there is an off day Monday. I would anticipate him needing more (rehab games). But he’s going to want to push this pretty fast if he has another day like (Saturday).
“We just have to make sure the rest of his body, the obliques, the hamstrings, the calves, everything can withstand a full game.”
Báez’s return will bring a boost both on the field and in the clubhouse.
“He’s always had an immense impact on our whole vibe,” Hinch said. “He’s an energy-provider, somebody you look forward to every day. And from a manager’s perspective, I can move him around the field and he does incredible things on the field. His impact is felt from the minute he walks through the door all the way to the end of the game.
“You never know what he’s going to bring that day that is going to spark you.”
His return also will force a tough roster decision. Báez again will shuttle between shortstop and center field, which means that either James Outman (who has no minor-league options and would have to be designated for assignment) or rookie Ben Malgeri might be vulnerable.
“Seeing Javy healthy is awesome,” Hinch said. “Seeing him truly back to being on this team will be great. … I love Javy and I always have. He is someone we’ve missed, just day to day.”
@cmccosky
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Javier Báez, Jackson Jobe inching ever closer to Tigers return
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