Detroit Tigers activate Gio Urshela from injured list; Akil Baddoo sent to Triple-A Toledo

Gio Urshela is back.

The Detroit Tigers activated Urshela, who missed nearly a month with a right hamstring strain, from the injured list before Tuesday's game against the Miami Marlins at Comerica Park. He started at third base, batting sixth, against left-hander Ryan Weathers in the second of three games in the series.

Urshela, 32, suffered the hamstring strain April 19.

"I'm happy," Urshela said. "I'm excited to be back, finally."

The Tigers optioned outfielder Akil Baddoo to Triple-A Toledo, making room for Urshela's return. Baddoo spent three games with the Tigers, but he played in just one game. He received one plate appearance, hitting a triple.

ACE OF PAST, ACE OF PRESENT: Unfair to compare? Tarik Skubal has picked up Justin Verlander's job as Tigers ace

The return of Urshela provides stability to the Tigers.

"We know we're going to get contact most of the time," manager A.J. Hinch said. "We know that his defense is going to be very good at third base. He just has a calming presence. He's been in every situation imaginable that's valuable to a team who's learning on the fly here. I'm glad he's back."

[ MUST LISTEN: Make "Days of Roar" your go-to Detroit Tigers podcast, available anywhere you listen to podcasts (Apple, Spotify) ]

Urshela played three games during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo, finishing 5-for-8 (.625) with one walk and one strikeout in nine plate appearances. He played 13 innings at third base.

"I felt really good in Toledo," said Urshela, who signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract in late February. "My timing was there. I got my confidence within the game."

The hamstring injury sidelined Urshela in an April 19 game against the Minnesota Twins when he felt tightness in his right hamstring before crossing first base running out a ground ball.

The next day, the Tigers put Urshela on the injured list.

TWO HOMERS, TWO DAYS: Tigers' Spencer Torkelson in the groove: 'It's just about getting the first one'

Urshela returns from the injured list with a .298 batting average, one walk and 10 strikeouts in 18 games. He doesn't hit the ball hard, not at all, but he makes a lot of contact and typically refuses to chase.

He has played 125 innings at third base and one inning at first base this season.

Kenta Maeda update

Right-hander Kenta Maeda (viral illness) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session before Wednesday's game against the Marlins.

It will be his first bullpen since Saturday's placement on the injured list.

Meanwhile, right-handed reliever Shelby Miller (right ulnar nerve inflammation) is undergoing further medical evaluation. The Tigers placed Miller on the 15-day injured list Monday, recalling right-handed reliever Beau Brieske from Triple-A Toledo to take his roster spot.

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

Listen to our weekly Tigers show "Days of Roar" every Monday afternoon on demand at freep.com, Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. And catch all of our podcasts and daily voice briefing at freep.com/podcasts.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers activate Gio Urshela from injured list, Baddoo sent down