Let the extensive recovery process begin.

Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez, still owed $73 million in 2025-27, underwent right hip arthroscopic surgery Tuesday. Dr. Thomas Lynch, the head team physician for the Detroit Lions, performed the hip surgery in Detroit.

It's unclear when Báez will play in games again.

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The hope is that Báez — already ruled out for the rest of the 2024 season — will be ready for 2025 Opening Day on March 27 against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, but it's still too soon to know. The return-to-play timeline from hip arthroscopy is 12 weeks to 12 months, depending on several factors. A recovery of 12 weeks is Nov. 28, 2024, but a recovery of 12 months is Sept. 3, 2025.

Báez, 31, has been on the injured list since Aug. 23 with lumbar spine and hip inflammation. He landed on the injured list twice in 2024 with lumbar spine inflammation, a recurring lower back injury.

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In 2024, Báez hit .184 with six home runs, 12 walks and 69 strikeouts in 80 games, posting a career-worst .516 OPS. His performance has gotten worse in each of his three seasons with the Tigers, but he hit .214 with five homers (and a .785 OPS) in his final 17 games before season-ending surgery.

The Tigers signed Báez to a six-year, $140 million contract in December 2021.

Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers' Javier Báez undergoes hip surgery, no timeline yet