The first week of spring training and the Detroit Tigers are already dealing with injuries. Outfielder Akil Baddoo underwent surgery on Thursday after suffering a hamate hook fracture in his right hand, reports Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press . Baddoo, 26, wasn’t projected to make the 2025 Opening Day roster after being removed from the 40-man roster in the offseason. He’s projected as an everyday outfielder at the Triple-A level.
“If there’s a silver lining, it’s that it happened now,” manager A.J. Hinch said Friday morning, “He can absorb some of this in the spring and not miss too much of the season.”
The team has not provided a recovery timetable, but this type of procedure typically requires four to eight weeks before resuming baseball activities.
Akil Baddoo’s Uncertain Future
A former Rule 5 draft pick, Baddoo showed promise as a rookie in 2021, hitting .259 with 13 home runs. However, he has struggled offensively since, posting a .203/.292/.328 slash line (76 wRC+) over the past three seasons. He spent much of 2024 at Triple-A Toledo, batting .238/.340/.418 in 82 games. His recent wrist surgery further complicates his standing with the team.
In December, Detroit designated Baddoo for assignment to clear space for Alex Cobb. He went unclaimed on waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A, where he was expected to start the 2025 season before this injury setback.
With Riley Greene and Parker Meadows set in the Tigers outfield and Matt Vierling likely in the mix, Baddoo was already on the outside looking in before his injury. Kerry Carpenter will also see outfield reps, while Justyn-Henry Malloy and Wenceel Pérez could push for playing time but have minor-league options. Meanwhile, Andy Ibáñez and Zach McKinstry provide utility depth at the major league level.
Given this crowded picture, Baddoo’s injury further complicates his path back to the majors, leaving his future with the organization uncertain.
Main Photo: © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
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