Hao-Yu Lee combines smart play with power hitting to lead the Tigers to victory.

Hao-Yu Lee gave a very direct answer about why his second time playing for the Detroit Tigers in the big leagues has been far better than his first.

"The training routine remains unchanged, but it's all about mentality," Lee said after crushing a go-ahead three-run homer in today's 5-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs. "I'm more confident now. I no longer have that mindset of 'This is a higher level, so I have to do a lot.'"

"During my first call-up, when I faced pitchers, I felt like everyone was better than me. But now, I focus on the small details. For example, I got a hit off Gerrit Cole. So when I face another right-handed pitcher, I think, 'I hit off Cole last time, so I don't need to be afraid.' I just pick up on those details and build my confidence."

That was a simple opposite-field hit against the former Cy Young award winner on June 22 at Yankee Stadium. But for Lee, who was already gaining momentum, that hit carried immense significance.

When Lee was first called up to the majors in mid-April, he had his share of highlights, most notably a pinch-hit go-ahead homer on April 26 in Cincinnati—his first career big-league home run. But he struggled more often than not, batting just .205 before Gleyber Torres returned from the injured list on June 2, leading to Lee being optioned back to Triple-A Toledo.

Two weeks later, due to Torres' oblique injury flaring up, Lee was recalled and became part of Detroit's second-base rotation. This time, the change was obvious. He looked calmer at the plate, less impatient. He had a clearer idea of how pitchers would attack him and how he should respond.

In the second inning today, with two outs and a runner on first, Lee stepped up to the plate for the first time against Cubs right-hander Colin Rea. He fell behind 0-2, battled back to a full count, and then Rea challenged him with a 93 mph fastball right down the middle. Lee grounded out to second base to end the inning. But he made a mental note of that pitch trajectory.

Two innings later, Lee came up again with runners on second and third, and this time he jumped ahead 3-0. "During my first at-bat, I went from 0-2 to 3-2, and he threw a pitch right down the middle," Lee analyzed. "So when I got to 3-0 in the second at-bat, I thought, 'The pitcher doesn't want to walk me, so he'll probably throw another one in the zone.' That's how I went into swing mode."

His prediction was spot-on. "I just threw a fastball trying to get ahead, and he caught it and hit a beautiful swing," Rea said after the game. "In a two-out situation, you have to think more carefully. Even with a 3-0 count, you should throw a better pitch."

Lee not only made a decisive impact on the game but also won over Cubs manager Craig Counsell. "That's why you swing at 3-0," Counsell said. "When we're out, we don't like swinging at 3-0. But when someone hits a three-run homer, that's why you swing at 3-0. He threw one down the middle, and that kid handled it beautifully and sent it out."

Since June, Lee has been batting .311 (28 hits in 90 at-bats) with four doubles, four home runs, and 12 RBIs. He has quietly become part of the Tigers' strong summer resurgence and has truly integrated into the team's future plans.

"I think with Lee's second time up, it's great to see him relax and play the game, and when he knows it's a good opportunity, he goes for it," manager A.J. Hinch said. "His hitting power is as good as anyone on our team, so when he gets a pitch he can handle, he doesn't miss it."

Part of the reason the Tigers were willing to part ways with Jahmai Jones was their belief that young right-handed hitters, including Lee, could handle the task of hitting left-handed pitchers. But Lee has done far more than just play a simple rotational role; he has given the Tigers confidence that he can also handle right-handers. He started at second base today, marking the third day since Torres returned from the injured list, giving him a day off.

With the Tigers keeping a close eye on Torres, similar arrangements are likely to continue. At the same time, Lee may also start getting opportunities at third base.

"Obviously, during the time that Torres was out, Lee gained a lot of experience, and that cannot be overlooked," Hinch said. "We have a high level of trust and confidence in him. That's why we have him on the field almost every day. He knows he belongs here. He knows he can compete at this level. And he's always observing and learning."