LAKELAND, Fla. — Detroit Tigers outfielder Akil Baddoo has undergone surgery to mend a fractured bone in his right hand, which will result in him missing the beginning of the regular season.

On Friday, Manager A.J. Hinch revealed that Baddoo experienced ongoing wrist discomfort since the onset of spring training, prompting further examinations. These assessments unveiled a hamate hook fracture in his right hand, and surgery was conducted on Thursday.

The 26-year-old Baddoo, who joined the Tigers in 2021, is currently participating in spring training as a non-roster player. In December, he was designated for assignment following the Tigers’ signing of veteran right-hander Alex Cobb to a one-year contract valued at $15 million. After clearing waivers, Baddoo was assigned to Triple-A Toledo.

Cobb, meanwhile, is also expected to be sidelined at the season’s start due to an injection aimed at treating hip inflammation that arose while he was preparing for camp. Cobb has previously undergone hip surgery on two occasions.

Last season, Baddoo struggled offensively, batting .137 with two home runs and five RBIs over the span of 31 games. Throughout his career, he holds a .226 batting average alongside 28 homers and 103 RBIs across 340 games.

The Tigers acquired Baddoo from Minnesota during the Rule 5 draft at the 2020 winter meetings, and he made a notable impact as a rookie in 2021, boasting a .259 batting average with 13 home runs, 55 RBIs, 18 stolen bases, and a .330 on-base percentage in 124 games—these stats reflect his best performance to date.

Baddoo entered the current camp facing stiff competition among a crowded outfield. On Detroit’s 40-man roster are six outfielders, which includes three other left-handed hitters: Riley Green, Kerry Carpenter, and Parker Meadows, alongside switch-hitter Wenceel Pérez. The right-handed outfielders include Matt Vierling and Justyn-Henry Malloy.