Tigers' Kerry Carpenter (shoulder) on IL after crash in outfield

Published: Monday, May 11, 2026 at 1:24 am

Tigers Outfielder Carpenter Placed on Injured List with Shoulder Sprain

Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a left shoulder sprain. The injury occurred during Saturday night's game when Carpenter collided with the outfield wall while attempting to make a play on an inside-the-park home run.

Initial tests indicate no structural damage, but inflammation is present, and Carpenter is experiencing significant soreness. Manager A.J. Hinch noted that the recovery timeline is uncertain, depending on the inflammation and Carpenter's ability to swing freely.

Carpenter, 28, is batting .216 this season with six home runs and 17 RBIs in 37 games. This is not the first time Carpenter has experienced a shoulder injury; he sustained a right shoulder sprain in 2023.

In a corresponding move, the Tigers have selected the contract of third baseman Gage Workman from Triple-A Toledo. To make room on the 40-man roster, right-hander Justin Verlander, who is dealing with left hip inflammation, has been transferred from the 15-day to the 60-day injured list. Verlander will be eligible to return on May 31.

Workman, 26, has been performing well at Triple-A Toledo, batting .358 with four home runs, 28 RBIs, 15 doubles, a .413 on-base percentage, and a .590 slugging percentage. Hinch praised Workman's performance and improvements, stating he has "earned his right to be on a callup list."

Carpenter's absence will require the team to collectively step up their performance.

BNN's Perspective: The Tigers are facing a setback with Carpenter's injury, but the promotion of Workman offers an opportunity for a promising player to showcase his skills at the major league level. While Carpenter's absence will be felt, the team has a chance to adapt and maintain competitiveness.

Keywords: Kerry Carpenter, Detroit Tigers, injury, shoulder sprain, Gage Workman, Justin Verlander, MLB, baseball, injured list, Triple-A, A.J. Hinch, roster move, outfield, home run, batting average, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage

Full Story