The Tiger Beat: Javier Baez will do whatever you need him to

As long as it helps his team win.

Happy Wednesday, everyone! The Tigers will be playing an afternoon game against the Padres, before an off day on Thursday. In today’s news, we take a look at one of the things we saw in this series: Javier Baez starting at centerfield for the first time in his career, and we also get a look at which Tigers’ rookie might be a contender for Rookie of the Year.

In broader baseball news, one Royals player has an intense daily routine; Braves drama continues; and MLB prepares for its first stop in Tennessee.

Let’s get into it!

Detroit Tigers News:

• More roster moves.

• MLB dot com is looking at potential Rookie of the Year candidates, and of the Tigers’ Jackson Jobe they say :

Walks have been a problem (he has 10 in 20 innings pitched), but the dynamic right-hander has a 2.70 ERA in his first four starts. Opponents are batting just 2-for-19 against Jobe’s slider, and his sinker and curveball have also been plus pitches. MLB Pipeline’s No. 4 overall prospect is here to stay, and that’s a welcome sight for Tigers fans.

• After his Monday start in center field, Javier Baez spoke to the press about his willingness to do whatever his manager and team need from him, saying, “If I can stay healthy, I’ll do whatever, man. I can even catch if you need me.” Meanwhile, A.J. Hinch had plenty to say about Baez’s eagerness to do whatever was needed of him:

“He asked what he needed to do to help this team win. You can go to adjustments at the plate, play clean defense, the baserunning that he brings. But the reality is, the biggest message was: We’re going to need you at multiple positions. And he was all-in, and I think he’s taken it in stride because he saw that our team was winning. It was important for him to contribute, and this was the best way for him [to help.]”

AL Central News:

• One Athletic reporter tried to duplicate Bobby Witt Jr.’s daily routine, and it gave a new insight into his discipline . ($)
• Cam Booser shared what it was like to return to Boston, where his career began, now as a member of the White Sox—and pitch a scoreless inning .

MLB News:

• Some interesting pitching insights.

• The Braves’ drama continues to get uglier as Jeff Francouer suggests the team doesn’t need Ronald Acuna Jr. to win. Ken Rosenthal, on the other hand, shares why he thinks Acuna was right to point out Brian Snitker’s double standards.
• A quick look at the Speedway Classic, MLB’s first detour to Tennessee .
• Terry Francona shared why he simply couldn’t stay away from baseball . ($)