The Detroit Tigers placed outfielder Kerry Carpenter on the 10-day injured list Wednesday due to a right hamstring strain, with the move retroactive to Monday.
Carpenter, 27, has been batting .257 with 16 home runs and 32 RBIs this season. He exited Sunday’s game against Minnesota in the fifth inning and was replaced by a pinch runner.
Manager A.J. Hinch stated that Carpenter likely won’t return until after the All-Star break.
“It’s a mild strain and similar to what he’s already been playing through, but it’s the second time he’s had an issue that made us question whether he could continue — especially with running and playing in the outfield,” Hinch said. “We’re choosing to be cautious and give him time to heal over the next couple of weeks.”
To fill Carpenter’s spot, the Tigers called up infielder Trey Sweeney from Triple-A Toledo ahead of Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Washington Nationals. Sweeney, who was just sent down Saturday, has been hitting .221 with four home runs and 23 RBIs over 70 games.
“I joked with him that he must’ve fixed everything in 48 hours,” Hinch said. “But I’m glad he’s back — his versatility is important as our roster fills out.”
Additionally, right-handed pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long was placed on the 15-day IL with neck stiffness. In response, the Tigers recalled right-hander Tyler Owens and brought up left-hander Bailey Horn from Toledo as the 27th man for the doubleheader.
The pitching staff could soon benefit from the return of right-hander Reese Olson, who has been sidelined with a finger injury since May 18. Olson has a 4-3 record with a 2.96 ERA across nine starts this season.
“His next appearance will be in the majors,” Hinch confirmed. “It probably won’t happen in Washington, but he’s ready and just waiting to be activated.”
