Last week, the Detroit Tigers found themselves in a bit of an embarrassing situation when shortstop Javier Baez ran into a double play after forgetting how many outs there were.
As a result of his mistake, Tigers manager AJ Hinch benched the former World Series champion.
However, since his mistake, Baez has kicked it into gear and has apparently used his benching as motivation to go on a tear.
Since being benched, Baez is hitting .375 with six RBI.
In addition, the Tigers have now won five games in a row, including a doubleheader sweep against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday.
On Twitter, Bob Nightengale of USA Today pointed out this interesting fact.
ever since #Tigers SS Javy Baez was yanked from the game for his mental mistakes, he is by hitting .375 with 6 RBI while the Tigers have won 5 consecutive games, including today’s doubleheader sweep.
—Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) April 19, 2023
There’s nothing like a little motivation after a crucial mistake.
Clearly, the mistake frustrated Baez just as much as it did Hinch and lit a bit of a fire under him.
Since he was benched, the 2016 World Series champion is swinging a hot bat.
Baez joined the Tigers during the 2021-22 offseason, signing with the team on a six-year deal.
The 30-year-old did not have an ideal first season in the Motor City, hitting just .238.
His start to the 2023 season hasn’t been ideal either, as he is still just hitting .139.
But over the Tigers’ last five games, he appears to have turned things around and is now hitting the way he did during his time with the Chicago Cubs.
The Tigers will conclude their three-game series against the Guardians on Wednesday before heading east to take on the Baltimore Orioles over the weekend.
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