Lee Hao-yu Earns Praise in First MLB Start at Second Base with Double Play and Tag Out [Video]

Detroit Tigers' Taiwanese infielder Lee Hao-yu made his first career MLB start at second base today. In three defensive opportunities, he committed no errors, initiated a double play, and earned praise for his quick tag out on a stolen base attempt. However, after going 0-for-2 at the plate, he was substituted for a pinch-hitter when the Cincinnati Reds changed pitchers.

In his previous four MLB games, Lee had started as a third baseman, moving to second base late in only one game. Today, he batted 8th and played second base, partnering with shortstop Javier Baez.

In the first inning, Lee got into the action early. With a runner on first and no outs, he fielded a sharp ground ball from Matt McLain, stepped on second base, and fired to first to complete a double play. He followed that up by cleanly fielding another grounder for an out.

In the bottom of the fourth, Lee handled another ground ball flawlessly. In the bottom of the fifth, he worked with catcher Dillon Dingler to catch Elly De La Cruz attempting to steal. Television broadcasters praised Dingler's "missile-like" throw and complimented Lee for his "exceptionally fast tag."

The Reds started left-hander Andrew Abbott, prompting the right-handed Lee's inclusion in the starting lineup. He grounded out to shortstop in the second and flied out to second in the fourth. He was pulled for a pinch-hitter in the sixth when right-hander Kyle Nicolas took the mound.

Lee finished the day 0-for-2. In his five MLB appearances to date, he is 3-for-16 with a .188 batting average. The Tigers held a 5-2 lead after five innings when he exited the game.