After an 11-day absence, Hao-Yu Lee returned to the Major Leagues, recording a hit in his first at-bat and making two impressive defensive plays to prevent runs.

Hao-Yu Lee, who plays abroad, was briefly sent down to Triple-A but returned to the big leagues today, starting as the ninth batter and third baseman against the Cleveland Guardians. He not only got a hit in his first plate appearance but also made two outstanding defensive plays, throwing to home plate for tag-outs.

Lee was optioned to Triple-A on June 3. After 11 days, the Detroit Tigers announced on their official website that pitcher Jack Flaherty was placed on the 15-day injured list, with Lee called up to fill the roster spot. Lee's name also appeared on the team's starting lineup.

On his first day back in the majors, facing Guardians left-handed starter Joey Cantillo, Lee came to bat in the bottom of the second inning with two outs. He connected on an 82.2 mph changeup and drove a single to left field. In his second plate appearance in the bottom of the fourth, he grounded out and was then replaced by a pinch hitter in the top of the seventh.

Lee finished the game with one hit in two at-bats and recorded four defensive chances without an error. In the bottom of the second inning, the Guardians attempted a double steal and scored the tying run on a catcher's error. Later, facing a ground ball to third hit by Austin Hedges, Lee quickly threw to home plate, successfully tagging out Stuart Fairchild, who was trying to score the go-ahead run. Overall, this season he has appeared in 33 major league games, posting a .212/.247/.341 slash line over 89 plate appearances.

Lee was recalled to the majors today after starting pitcher Flaherty was placed on the injured list. The Tigers now have only 12 pitchers on the roster, but Casey Mize and Justin Verlander are expected to return soon. When Mize returns tomorrow, the Tigers are likely to option a position player, though that player may not necessarily be Lee. Some media speculate it could be outfielder Jahmai Jones.