Javier Baez had every right to be upset at home plate umpire Phil Cuzzi during the Detroit Tigers’ 3-1 win over the San Francisco Giants. At the conclusion of the fifth inning, Baez was dismissed after Cuzzi ruled a strike that was considerably below the zone.
The Tigers center fielder was passionate following the low strike call, telling Cuzzi how he felt. Baez continued walking away and turned back to say anything else to the umpire, when Cuzzi tossed him out of the game.
Third base coach Joey Cora had to hold Baez back as Tigers manager A.J. Hinch ran out of the dugout.
Following the game, Baez shared his conversation with the umpire with media, including Detroit Free Press Tigers beat writer Evan Petzold.
“I only said, ‘I’m looking for that pitch. It’s not a f****** strike.’ That’s the only thing I said. And then he added, ‘Don’t point at it. Leave. “What do you mean, walk out?” I asked. He just tossed me out after saying, “I have a question for you.”
Baez went on to say that Cuzzi had treated him disrespectfully.
“The call isn’t even the issue. It has to do with his treatment of me. I am not an animal. We can have a conversation. We are free to disagree. That’s it. I would have f****** stopped talking if he had said, “Okay, I missed it.” I understand that he is not flawless, but please don’t treat me that way.
Over the years, Cuzzi, who has officiated games full-time since 1999, has come under fire for making dubious rulings.
After agreeing to a six-year, $140 million contract with the Tigers prior to the 2022 season, Baez has revitalized his career in his fourth year with the team. Because to injuries, he has been playing center field. Through 41 games, he has a.799 OPS, 125 OPS+, six home runs, and 1.6 bWAR. After the worst season of his career in 2024, he wasn’t even assured playing time going into 2025, thus this is a turnaround.
With the win, the Tigers increased their record to 35-20 and now sit 4.5 games ahead of the Minnesota Twins in the American League Central.
