The Detroit Tigers are aiming to make a strong playoff run in the second half of the season. However, staying healthy will be crucial if they hope to capitalize on having one of the best records in Major League Baseball.
One key concern is outfielder Kerry Carpenter. A major contributor to Detroit’s late postseason surge last year, Carpenter hit .284/.345/.587 with 18 home runs and 57 RBIs in 87 games. He’s continued to produce this season, batting .257/.285/.494 with 16 homers and 32 RBIs.
Despite his offensive value, Carpenter’s ongoing health issues—especially with his hamstring—could impact the team’s trade deadline strategy.
On Sunday night, during Detroit’s 3-0 win over the Minnesota Twins, Carpenter aggravated his hamstring on a triple in the fifth inning. Though he completed the play, he was clearly struggling and was replaced by Wenceel Peréz.
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“He felt that same sensation again,” manager A.J. Hinch told The Detroit Free Press’s Christian Romo. “Initially, he was thinking double, but once he realized a triple was possible, that’s when he felt it.”
Carpenter’s early homer in the game was a reminder of his impact, but the recurring injury highlights the need for the Tigers to actively explore trade options before the July 31 deadline—especially for a right-handed bat.
That said, acquiring talent could be challenging. With 23 teams still in playoff contention—six teams within five games of the final AL Wild Card spot, and four in the NL—competition for trade targets will be fierce.
Even if some teams are holding onto slim postseason hopes, the Tigers can’t afford to wait. While the team is optimistic Carpenter’s injury isn’t serious—he’s scheduled for an MRI on Monday—they may need to start making moves sooner rather than later if he’s out for an extended period.
