Manager A.J. Hinch of the Detroit Tigers revealed on Monday that shortstop Javier Báez would require season-ending surgery on his right hip (via the Detroit Free Press). Due to what the Tigers initially described as lumbar spine and hip discomfort, Báez has not played since August 22. Since August 23, he has been listed as injured.

Hinch said, “Somewhat related, at least the initial diagnosis is that they’re related,” in reference to the hip and spine ailments, following Báez’s addition to the injured list (via the Detroit Free Press). “I feel bad for him. Although we’ve talked about it a lot, it hasn’t helped him.”

The hip operation ends the worst season of Báez’s career and ends the third season of his disastrous six-year, $120 million contract. Báez, 31, hit just six home runs this year in 80 games, slashing.184/.221/.294. With Detroit, he has slashed.221/.262/.347 in three seasons. Báez’s glove has allowed him to be a 1.7 WAR player despite that batting line, but his defense is also getting worse.

The injury has allowed the Tigers to utilize Trey Sweeney, a prospect at shortstop, on a daily basis. During the trade deadline, Sweeney was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers. After making his Major League debut on August 16, Sweeney has played in six games and is 4 for 19 (.211) with a home run. He hit.267/.345/.450 with 15 home runs in 107 Triple-A games before being called up.

The $73 million will be the most a team has ever paid to force a player to retire if the Tigers release Báez before Opening Day of the following season—to be clear, there is no indication they are ready to do that—topping the $63 million the Los Angeles Angels paid Josh Hamilton as part of his trade back to the Texas Rangers in April 2015.

Detroit has a 65-66 record going into Monday’s game. They could end up with their sixth consecutive losing campaign. Since 2014, the Tigers have missed the postseason.