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It would be no surprise if Javier Baez played a major role Saturday afternoon when the Detroit Tigers try to clinch a series win against the host Toronto Blue Jays.

An infielder by trade, Baez has been pressed into playing center field because of injuries and has been a key player in the Tigers’ strong start. He has done it with the bat and the glove while exemplifying the team approach Detroit espouses.

Baez played a key role on offense and defense Friday night when the Tigers took the series opener 5-4 for their fourth straight win.

In the second inning, Baez raced a long way to make a diving catch on Nathan Lukes’ one-out drive to the gap in right-center, then without hesitation made a perfect throw to first to double off Addison Barger.

Baez said he was surprised to make the catch.

“I was kind of in between two jumps,” he said. “I took the first step really good, though, and got to the ball good.”

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said he might have been as impressed with Baez’s throw as he was with the catch.

“Just to be able to catch his breath for a second and throw a perfect one-hopper,” Hinch said. “An impactful play, very big at that point in the game to end the inning.”

Detroit starter Jack Flaherty appreciated the play along with Baez’s overall work in center field.

“The adjustments he’s been able to make,” Flaherty said. “Even just embracing the move to center field. …It’s awesome to see.”

In the eighth, Baez hit a solo home run that extended Detroit’s lead to 5-3.

It proved decisive when Toronto’s Bo Bichette homered in the bottom of the eighth.

Detroit’s Riley Greene, who had a solo homer and a two-run double, admired Baez’s catch from his spot in left field.

“He’s such a great athlete and he makes it look so easy,” Greene said.

Baez is slashing .326/.354/.696 with two doubles, five home runs and 17 RBIs over 11 games in May.

The Tigers are scheduled to start right-hander Reese Olson (4-3, 3.38 ERA) on Saturday. Olson is 1-0 with an 0.87 ERA in three career games (two starts) against the Blue Jays.

Toronto had not announced a starter or an opener as of late Friday night. Left-hander Eric Lauer (1-0, 2.00 ERA) could be used as the opener or the bulk reliever. He is 0-2 with a 19.80 ERA in two career games, both starts, against the Tigers.

The Blue Jays are trying to avoid losing two consecutive home series as they continue a nine-game homestand. They dropped two of three to the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this week.

Struggling slugger Anthony Santander did not play for Toronto on Friday to give his sore shoulder a rest and to help him reset. He was not used as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning even though the Blue Jays had the potential winning run on base.

Manager John Schneider did not want to use Santander other than in an emergency because the 30-year-old outfielder had not gone through his pregame preparations.

“His shoulder was a little bit cranky still,” Schneider said, “so I didn’t want to force him in there.”

Lukes left in the seventh inning with a migraine. Toronto replaced him in right field with Myles Straw, who had two singles, an RBI and a stolen base.

–Field Level Media