Tigers' Baez offers free meals for Puerto Ricans affected by Hurricane Fiona

Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez is stepping up for his homeland of Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Fiona.

Baez is offering free meals through his restaurant, Taquiza, to Puerto Rican citizens affected by the devastating hurricane.

"All those families who are in need of a hot meal can stop by (Taquiza) in Toa Baja and we will serve it to you for FREE!!," Baez wrote in Spanish in an Instagram story posted Monday, as translated by Jared Schwartz of the New York Post.

"If your community is affected and you're in need of a hot meal, you can call 787-665-2323 (Joshua) or stop by (Taquiza) and we will make all the arrangements. Blessings to all of you!"

Puerto Rico has been devastated by Hurricane Fiona since it made landfall Sunday. The storm caused catastrophic flooding across the U.S. territory, crippling essential infrastructure and resulting in potentially billions of dollars in damage.

Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi told CNN on Monday that only 35% of customers have clean water service. Approximately 80% of the island is without power as of Tuesday, according to AccuWeather's Allison Finch.

Fiona has since intensified into a Category 3 hurricane and is now causing similar flooding in the Dominican Republic.

Baez, a native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, is one of the most popular Puerto Rican players in baseball. The 29-year-old has already committed to representing his nation at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.