MILWAUKEE — Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez, riding a 10-game hitting streak, exited Wednesday’s series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers in the top of the first inning with a left hand contusion.
X-rays were negative, meaning he didn’t suffer a fracture and probably won’t need a stint on the 10-day injured list. In the fourth inning, the 30-year-old was still undergoing treatment.
Báez bruised his hand with two outs in the first inning when he was hit by Freddy Peralta’s 93 mph fastball. He was immediately evaluated on the field by manager A.J. Hinch and athletic trainer Ryne Eubanks.
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After Báez met Hinch and Eubanks, he walked down the dugout stairs and headed for the clubhouse. Jonathan Schoop replaced Báez on base, taking over at second base and batting third. Zach McKinstry shifted from second base to shortstop.
Báez entered Wednesday’s series finale hitting .234 with six walks and 15 strikeouts in 21 games. He hit .378 with three walks and seven strikeouts across 10 games, from April 13-25.
He is in the second season of a six-year, $140 million contract with the Tigers.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @EvanPetzold.