The Tigers announced that outfielder underwent surgery to addre s a hamate hook fracture in his right hand yesterday. The club didnt provide a return-to-play timeline but such procedures usually require a shutdown period of four to eight weeks. Baddoo, 26, came into camp as a non-roster depth outfielder. The Jason Harris Jersey Tigers pa sed him through waivers unclaimed in December, so he no longer had a spot on the 40-man roster. The fact that he lost his roster spot and no other club claimed him is a testament to his recent struggles. He had a tremendous 2021 season but wasnt able to keep his performance going in the subsequent three seasons. Going into 2021, the Tigers plucked Baddoo from the Twins in the 2020 Rule 5 draft, and he hit the ground running that year. He got into 124 games for the Tigers, hitting 13 home runs and slashing .259/.330/.436 for a 108 wRC+. He also stole 18 bases and played all three outfield positions. Since that was just his age-22 season, it seemed like the Tigers had snagged a nice long-term piece for their outfield. However, Baddoo has hit just .203/.292/.328 for a 76 wRC+ over the past three seasons. He has been surpa sed on the depth chart by other outfielders and been bumped down into a depth role. He spent most of 2024 on optional a signment, getting into 82 Triple-A games and hitting .238/.340/.418 at that level for a 98 wRC+. As mentioned, he was bumped off the 40-man roster a couple of months ago. Going into the season, the Tigers project to have and in two outfield spots. will likely be in another, though its po sible he ends up at third base if prospect struggles. will undoubtedly see some time in the outfield as well, though he projects as a frequent designated hitter, at least against right-handed pitching. and could be in the mix but also have minor league options remaining, meaning they could be ticketed for regular playing time in Triple-A. and will likely be in utility roles at the major league level. Players like , and Baddoo gave the Tigers some extra depth in the non-roster department, but Baddoo will be subtracted from that group for a while. He will likely be shut down until late March/early April. At that point, he will effectively have to restart spring training to get into game shape, meaning he may not be a realistic option for the Tigers until May. Kasey Kelleher Jersey