Kerry

Carpenter

Pérez was supposed to return to game action on Wednesday, but now it seems like Saturday could be the earliest we will see him back out on the field. He has not played since March 2nd, which means he’s missed at least 11 games with lower back tightness. With Parker Meadows also sidelined by a nerve issue in his right arm, it looks like the Tigers might have to play Kerry Carpenter and Zach McKinstry in the outfield to start the season and use Spencer Torkelson as their regular designated hitter.

With Matt Vierling already ruled out for Opening Day and Parker Meadows dealing with a nerve issue in his arm, the Tigers could need another outfielder to take their place on the initial roster. Jones is a right-handed hitter who has hit lefties well, so he makes a natural platoon partner for players like Kerry Carpenter, Riley Greene, and Zach McKinstry. It likely wouldn’t be a fantasy-relevant role, but it could be a nice break for the 27-year-old.

Carpenter came off the bench while clearly still hobbled by his hamstring injury, but he was able to rip a ball into the gap all the way to the wall to off Andrew Walters to score Trey Sweeney from first. Because of the injury Carpenter was only able to get to first base, and he didn’t look good doing it. He had another chance to play hero with the bases loaded and Detroit down three, but Carpenter struck out. The 27-year-old was outstanding after injury in 2024, and should be an excellent fantasy option again in 2025 even if he won’t provide help in the steals category.

With left-handed Matthew Boyd on the mound, Carpenter may not have started anyway, but the left-handed hitting slugger may not be available off the bench due to his hamstring issue. Justyn-Henry Malloy is the designated hitter and will lead off for the winner-take-all contest. The full lineup: DH Malloy, 3B Matt Vierling, LF Riley Greene, 2B Andy Ibanez, 1B Spencer Torkelson, CF Parker Meadows, C Jake Rogers and SS Trey Sweeney.

Even if he can’t play in Game 5, the Tigers will probably want to keep him on the roster, since removing him would rule him out for the ALCS if the team wins tomorrow. Carpenter was hurt rounding third base while scoring a run in Game 4.

Madris might be the addition if the Tigers opt to take Kerry Carpenter off the roster because of his hamstring injury. That’d be awfully costly, though, since Carpenter would be ineligible for the ALCS if he’s pulled from the roster prior to Game 5.

Carpenter was seen hobbling off the field after running the bases and was pinch hit for when his spot came up in the batting order again. While Hinch wouldn’t officially comment on Carpenter’s status, he noted that whenever a player has to leave a game it’s concerning. Carpenter’s status for Game 5 of the ALDS on Saturday is up in the air at this point.

Jace Jung pinch hit for Carpenter in the seventh inning. It’s unclear how severe the injury might be, but Detroit’s offense can’t afford to lose Carpenter for any amount of time at this point in the playoffs.

Clase made mistakes with consecutive sliders, and while the first one was fouled off, the second was sent 423 feet to right. Carpenter’s homer came in his second at-bat off the bench after he was held out of the starting lineup against a lefty, and it made him 3-for-12 four appearances into his first postseason. The ALDS is even at 1-1 as the two teams travel to Detroit for Wednesday’s Game 3.

With the Guardians throwing Matthew Boyd, the Tigers will sit most of their left-handed bats, including Carpenter, Colt Keith, and Zach McKinstry. Justyn-Henry Malloy will DH instead of Carpenter and hit lead-off, while Andy Ibanez will start at second base for Keith and bat third, and Wenceel Perez will start in right field and bat fifth.