DETROIT — April 28, 2026 — A night that began as a competitive interleague matchup quickly turned into a concerning one for the Detroit Tigers, as injuries to two key players overshadowed a 5-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves.
Right-hander Casey Mize exited early in the third inning with right groin tightness, cutting short what has otherwise been a strong start to his 2026 campaign. The injury occurred after Mize covered first base on a routine ground ball fielded by Spencer Torkelson. Though there was no collision on the play, Mize immediately showed discomfort and was visited by trainers before walking off the field.
Mize threw just 34 pitches in 2 1/3 innings, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out three. He entered the game in excellent form, having allowed one run or fewer in four of his five previous starts. Despite the abbreviated outing, his ERA now sits at a still-impressive 2.90. The 2025 All-Star, who went 14-6 with a 3.86 ERA last season, has been a stabilizing force in Detroit’s rotation — making his status moving forward a significant concern.
The Tigers’ troubles deepened in the fifth inning when center fielder Javier Báez suffered a frightening leg injury while running out a ground ball. Attempting to beat a high throw to first, Báez struck the bag awkwardly, and his right foot appeared to fold beneath him as he fell. He remained on the ground for several moments before being carted off the field. While he did not require an air cast, the severity of the injury was not immediately known.
Detroit trailed 1-0 at the time of Mize’s exit and saw the deficit grow after reliever Brant Hurter surrendered a sacrifice fly that scored a run charged to Mize. The Braves continued to apply pressure, while their pitching staff kept the Tigers’ offense largely in check.
According to reports, Martín Pérez delivered five scoreless innings for Atlanta, with Didier Fuentes adding two shutout frames in relief to secure the win. The victory pushed the Braves to a 21-9 record through 30 games — their best start since 2000.
For the Tigers, however, the final score became secondary. With two key contributors leaving the game under troubling circumstances, Detroit now faces uncertainty both in its rotation and in the lineup.
The team is expected to provide further updates on Mize and Báez following medical evaluations, but Tuesday’s game served as a stark reminder of how quickly a season’s trajectory can shift.
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