Tigers Manager Hinch Explains Unorthodox Defensive Moves in Extra Innings

Hinch's strategic decisions in the 10th inning of a scoreless game against the Red Sox raised eyebrows but had sound reasoning behind them.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:05pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game, with sharp geometric planes of color representing the players and field of play. The composition is dynamic and energetic, capturing the tension and strategy of the extra-inning showdown.Hinch's strategic maneuvering in the 10th inning showcased his ability to think outside the box and prioritize specific matchups over conventional defensive alignments.Today in Detroit

In a scoreless game against the Red Sox that went to extra innings, Detroit Tigers manager AJ Hinch made some unorthodox defensive decisions that raised eyebrows but had logical reasoning behind them. Hinch kept a five-infielder alignment to defend against the Red Sox's speedy baserunner at third base, and he stuck with a right-handed hitter against the Red Sox's right-handed reliever rather than using a left-handed pinch hitter, to avoid wasting a bench option.

Why it matters

Hinch's decisions highlight the complex strategic calculations managers must make in high-leverage late-game situations, where conventional wisdom may not always be the best approach. His willingness to think outside the box and prioritize specific matchups over standard defensive alignments demonstrates his nuanced understanding of in-game tactics.

The details

In the bottom of the 10th inning with the game tied 0-0, the Red Sox had speedy baserunner Jarren Duran on third base with no outs. Hinch decided to use a five-infielder, two-outfielder alignment, bringing Javier Báez in from center field. When he kept that alignment intact with one out and runners at the corners, it prompted questions about why he didn't send Báez back to the outfield to set up a potential inning-ending double play. Hinch explained that with Duran's speed, he couldn't risk playing back and defending against a safety squeeze or other small-ball tactics. In the top of the 10th, Hinch stuck with right-handed hitter Wenceel Perez against the Red Sox's right-handed reliever Garrett Whitlock, rather than using a left-handed pinch hitter, to avoid wasting one of his bench options.

  • In the bottom of the 10th inning, the Red Sox had Jarren Duran on third base with no outs.
  • With one out and runners at the corners, Hinch kept the five-infielder alignment intact.

The players

AJ Hinch

The manager of the Detroit Tigers, known for his strategic acumen and willingness to employ unorthodox tactics in high-leverage situations.

Jarren Duran

A speedy baserunner for the Boston Red Sox who was on third base in the 10th inning.

Javier Báez

A Tigers infielder who Hinch brought in from center field to form a five-infielder alignment.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox, who was facing Hinch's strategic decisions.

Garrett Whitlock

The right-handed reliever for the Red Sox who faced the Tigers' hitters in the 10th inning.

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What they’re saying

“'Their fastest baserunner is at third base. For us to play for a double-play, the first baseman has to stay on the base (to hold the runner). That gives Alex (Cora, Red Sox manager) all the options to do a safety squeeze or anything else. We can't defend Duran playing back.'”

— AJ Hinch, Tigers Manager

“'The double-play is the upside. Game over is the down side.'”

— AJ Hinch, Tigers Manager

What’s next

The Tigers and Red Sox will face off again on Saturday, with both teams looking to gain an edge in the tight American League playoff race.

The takeaway

Hinch's unorthodox defensive alignment and lineup decisions in the 10th inning demonstrated his willingness to think creatively and prioritize specific matchups over conventional strategies, highlighting the nuanced tactical considerations that go into managing a close, extra-inning game.