Tigers manager provides update on slugger's injury

Detroit Tigers right fielder Kerry Carpenter (30) Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

Tigers manager provides update on slugger Kerry Carpenter's injury

By Nicholas Meyer | Last updated 2/24/24

The Detroit Tigers will enter the 2024 MLB season with renewed optimism after a second-place finish in the American League Central last season and a bold division title prediction from first baseman Spencer Torkelson.

Kerry Carpenter, Detroit's right fielder, hit .278 with 20 home runs and 64 RBI last season for the Tigers and is a key piece to the team's rapidly improving lineup.

Carpenter suffered a left hamstring strain on Thursday at spring training that occurred while he was rounding second base during drills.

"I hate that guys get dinged up at the beginning of camp," said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, who has yet to lead the Tigers to a winning record in three seasons at the helm. "He felt a little bit of some soreness, so we pulled him out. Precautionary until we get him further evaluated."

Carpenter was not expected to play in the Tigers' spring training games over the weekend. He was one of six players listed on the team's injury report on Friday.

#Tigers medical update: Outfielder Kerry Carpenter has a mild left hamstring strain. pic.twitter.com/RqrLj9UKj3
— Evan Petzold (@EvanPetzold) February 23, 2024

The other most notable player was center fielder Riley Greene, who hit .288 last season and has had more than his fair share of injury concerns throughout his young career.

Greene was expected to face live pitching this weekend but is sidelined with a right elbow sprain.

The Tigers are scheduled to welcome the New York Yankees for a 1:05 p.m. first pitch on Saturday, the team's first of 32 spring training matchups before March 28's season opener against the Chicago White Sox.

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