More Injury Woes for Tigers as Another Outfielder Sidelined
After an unexpected surge in 2024 that saw them win 15 of their last 19 games to clinch the second American League Wild Card, the Detroit Tigers pushed the Cleveland Guardians to five games in the AL Division Series before falling short. This year, the Tigers are building on that momentum, leading the AL Central with a 15-10 record—just half a game ahead of the Guardians. On Wednesday, they shut out the league-best San Diego Padres (17-8) with a convincing 6-0 win.
However, outfielder Kerry Carpenter was noticeably absent from the lineup. Carpenter, who has the third-highest OPS on the team at .853, exited Monday’s game against Kansas City in the ninth inning due to what manager A.J. Hinch described as “right hamstring soreness.” Though he was listed as day-to-day, Carpenter went 0-for-4 as the designated hitter in Tuesday’s loss to the Padres.
Carpenter Becomes Latest Tigers Outfield Casualty
The 27-year-old, a longshot Major Leaguer taken in the 19th round of the 2019 draft from Virginia Tech, is the latest outfielder to join Detroit’s growing list of injuries. If he lands on the injured list—something the team has yet to confirm—he would become the fifth sidelined Tigers outfielder.
Parker Meadows, out since February 22 with a nerve issue in his right biceps, recently began light throwing but has no set return date. Matt Vierling, who injured his shoulder in spring training, has resumed throwing and may return sooner than Meadows.
In response to the early injuries, Detroit signed veteran outfielder Manuel Margot to a one-year, $1.3 million deal just before the season. But Margot also hit the injured list on April 8 with a left knee tendon strain. He began running again on April 18.
Meanwhile, Wenceel Pérez, a backup outfielder, remains out with lumbar spine inflammation and has been on the 60-day IL all season after two cortisone shots.
Injuries Hit Pitching Staff Too
It’s not just the outfield that’s hurting. The pitching staff has also taken a hit. Beau Brieske, a right-handed reliever, was placed on the 15-day IL last week due to right ankle inflammation. John Brebbia, another reliever with a 1.00 ERA over nine innings, joined him on the list with a triceps strain.
Newly signed starter Alex Cobb, brought in from the Giants for $15 million, missed all of spring training with hip inflammation and has yet to make an appearance for the team.
Despite the wave of injuries, the Tigers continue to find ways to win—though the challenges are stacking up.