The Detroit Tigers made a significant roster change Tuesday, activating Javier Báez from the injured list and designating catcher Jake Rogers for assignment.
Báez will immediately return to the lineup and start in center field, according to MLB.com’s Jason Beck.
The move brings Báez back after a lengthy absence and ends Rogers’ run on Detroit’s active roster, at least for now.
Báez Returns to Center Field
Báez had been sidelined since late April before beginning a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Toledo.
The 33-year-old was hitting .256 with two home runs, six RBIs and a .678 OPS in 78 at-bats before landing on the injured list. Detroit has increasingly used Báez as a center fielder, giving manager A.J. Hinch another athletic and versatile option in the outfield.
His return comes at a time when the Tigers are dealing with several injuries and searching for more consistent offensive production.
Jake Rogers Designated for Assignment
Rogers becomes the corresponding roster move after struggling at the plate throughout the 2026 season.
The veteran catcher was batting .161 with three home runs, nine RBIs and a .567 OPS across 93 at-bats. He has long been valued for his defense, game-calling and handling of Detroit’s pitching staff, but the offensive decline became increasingly difficult to overlook.
Rogers has spent parts of six seasons with the Tigers, hitting 47 home runs with a .197 career batting average and .649 OPS.
Detroit will now have a limited window to trade Rogers, place him on waivers or potentially outright him to the minor leagues if he clears.
Bottom Line
Javier Báez is back, and Jake Rogers is the player losing his roster spot.
The move gives Detroit another option in center field while signaling that the organization was ready to make a difficult decision behind the plate. Rogers’ defense helped him remain part of the Tigers’ plans for years, but his lack of offensive production finally forced the issue.
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