Tigers cut ties with fan favorite catcher amid Javier Baez news

Tigers cut ties with fan favorite catcher amid Javier Baez news originally appeared on The Sporting News .

Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

The Detroit Tigers made a notable change to their roster before tonight's game against the Baltimore Orioles .

According to MLB.com's Jason Beck , infielder/outfielder Javier Baez will return from the injured list and play center field.

Baez missed several weeks with a right ankle sprain. He takes the roster spot of catcher Jake Rogers, who was designated for assignment by the Tigers on Tuesday, per a team announcement.

"The Detroit Tigers announce that popular catcher Jake Rogers is being DFA’d, and yes, Tarik Skubal will be making his start tomorrow, perhaps the last one in a Tigers’ uniform," USA Today's Bob Nightengale wrote on X.

Rogers spent parts of six seasons with the Tigers, providing quality defense behind the plate. The ABS challenges have been a struggle for Rogers, as he's gone 10-for-19 in those situations.

MORE :  Giants willing to trade Heliot Ramos in big news for many MLB clubs

Rogers has never been much of a hitter, evident by his .197.270/.379 slash line in 1,209 trips to the plate in his career. However, the 31-year-old hit a career-high 21 home runs in 2023.

Rogers' catching duties will be handed over to Eduardo Valencia, who becomes Dillon Dingler's backup.

The Tigers can trade Rogers, or he can be claimed off waivers. Teams like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox need catching help.

More MLB news:

Yankees are ‘ leading candidate ’ to trade for Twins ’ Ryan Jeffers

Red Sox ‘ would love ’ to trade for Angels ’ Zach Neto or Astros ’ Jeremy Pena

Padres likely not to trade Mason Miller amid latest update

Tigers expected to trade Tarik Skubal but still try to contend without him

Mets ‘ desperate ’ to trade Luis Robert Jr. after trade failure

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →