Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez was scratched from the starting lineup of Saturday’s 6-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox due to right knee soreness.
Baez was slated to bat seventh. Zach McKinstry, who was slated to play third baseman in the initial lineup, filled in as starting shortstop. Zack Short came in to play shortstop as a defensive replacement in the bottom of the ninth.
Baez has struggled all season, batting .221 with seven homers and 50 RBIs in 109 games. He is in the second season of a six-year, $140 million deal.
This month, Baez is batting .160 (4-for-25) with 11 strikeouts in eight games.
According to multiple reports, Baez will be placed on the bereavement list Sunday and travel to Puerto Rico for his grandfather’s funeral.
–Field Level Media
