Javier Báez is known for wacky plays — it’s what earned him the nickname “El Mago.” He lived up to that moniker on Opening Day against the White Sox at Comerica Park, when he provided the Tigers with a 5-4 win on a replay review.
After a solo home run from Eric Haase tied the game, 4-4, in the bottom of the ninth inning, Austin Meadows hit a two-out triple and Báez stepped to the plate. The shortstop was 1-for-4 on the day with two strikeouts, including his first at-bat in a Tigers jersey.
But El Mago did what he’s known for: performed magic. He hit a long drive towards Chicago right fielder AJ Pollock, who bobbled the ball at the wall but made the catch. The Tigers called for a video review, and upon examination it was clear that the ball had touched the wall before reaching Pollock’s glove; before the out was even overturned, the Tigers had emptied their dugout in celebration. Báez was awarded a single, and received a bear hug from manager A.J. Hinch.