Akil Baddoo put together a defensive clinic in just one inning for the Detroit Tigers on Sunday as they secured a 3-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Baddoo made the start in left field and had two incredible grabs to start the game off, showing why he’s a player that can make an impact when he’s in the game. He also went 1-for-3 at the plate with a walk and stolen base.

 

 

Akil Baddoo Gets The Call Back To The Bigs: Dazzling In Outfield 

On May 14th, the Tigers called up Baddoo from Triple-A Toledo and optioned third baseman Jace Jung. Before being called up, Baddoo appeared in 21 games with Toledo, carrying a .241 batting average while hitting six home runs with 11 RBI. Now he’s back wearing that English D and will look to become a mainstay on one of the hottest teams in the league.

Detroit was the first team to win 30 games this season and through 47 games, they have the best record in the MLB. From pitching to hitting, the Tigers have clicked on all cylinders and now Baddoo has the opportunity to show that he belongs on the 40-man roster. You can argue that if Baddoo did not make those two catches on Sunday against Toronto, the game could have gone completely different for the Tigers.

Starting pitcher Jackson Jobe gave up two quick hits in the first inning and then Baddoo happened.

Our MLBbro assisted in all three outs to get the Tigers out of the inning. The first out came when Baddoo tracked down a ball hit deep to left field and made a leaping catch running into the wall.

“Once I caught it, I was like in shock,” Baddoo said in an article from mlb.com. “I wanted to make sure that I get it in. It was a good momentum booster right there.”

And then a few pitches later, he made a sliding catch which resulted in a double play.

“First inning, really didn’t feel like I had my stuff,” Jobe said. “Execution was off. Akil made some really good plays out there and kinda bailed me out. And then as the game went on, I really felt like I got better.”

Baddoo is no stranger to the Motor City. He made his Big League debut with the Tigers back in 2021 and he put together an impressive rookie season.

 

Akil Baddoo Shines Bright In Detroit And Doesn’t Show Any Signs Of Slowing Down

 

That season he played in 124 games and hit .259 with 13 home runs, 55 RBI, and 13 stolen bases.

 

Last season, Baddoo struggled a bit, and this can be a turnaround season for the 26-year-old. He has proven that he can have success in this league and that he adds value in the field and at the plate. If he can be consistent with his performance, he will play a key role for the Tigers this season, who have hopes of making a deep run in the postseason.