Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene almost never takes batting practice on the field.

He prefers hitting in the batting cage.

"I haven't hit on the field in two years," Greene said July 15 at the MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta, part of his explanation for declining multiple offers to participate in the Home Run Derby.

Exactly 24 days later, Greene — who has been slumping for more than a month — took the field for batting practice Friday, Aug. 8, before the opener of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park.

"The great outdoors were incredible," Greene said before Friday's game. "I just wanted to have some fun." Expert MLB daily picks: Unique MLB betting insights only at USA TODAY BULLPEN SHUFFLE: Tigers promote reliever Codi Heuer from Triple-A Tole

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