CLEVELAND — Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez has started all three games in the American League wild-card series against the Cleveland Guardians during the 2025 MLB playoffs.

It's because of his defense.

But as it turns out, he has also been the Tigers' best hitter in the postseason.

Nobody expected that.

"I think Javy is underrated in playing the game," manager A.J. Hinch said. "When we think of Javy, I think a lot of people think about the big swing — some of the big connections and some of the big misses. It's the El Mago mystique." Detroit Tigers Playoff Tickets Buy tickets to see the Tigers in the MLB playoffs FOLLOW ALONG: Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Guardians, Game 3 channel, live updates and odds

In Games 1 and 2, Báez had four hits — all singles — in seven

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