CHICAGO – Kerry Carpenter is back.
The Detroit Tigers activated Carpenter on Sunday, May 31, from the 10-day injured list before the finale of a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field, making his return from a left shoulder sprain.
The 28-year-old Carpenter – a left-handed hitting outfielder who often serves as the designated hitter – is available against White Sox right-hander Sean Burke for Sunday’s game.
To open a spot for Carpenter’s return, the Tigers optioned third baseman Gage Workman to Triple-A Toledo. Workman, 26, hit .158 with two home runs, zero walks and 16 strikeouts across 16 games with the Tigers, logging a .553 OPS.
Workman posted a brutal 43.2% strikeout rate.
Celebrate 125 years of the Tigers with our book!
Meanwhile, Carpenter has a track record of success against the White Sox, especially in road games: He has a .323 batting average and a .973 OPS in 19 career games against the White Sox at Rate Field, including three home runs in one game in June 2025.
Before returning, Carpenter played two games for Toledo during his rehab assignment, plus a simulated game against rehabbing right-hander Justin Verlander.
Carpenter hit .333 (1-for-3) with three walks and one strikeout in two games for the Mud Hens, spanning six plate appearances. He spent seven innings in the outfield.
The Tigers need Carpenter’s power in hopes of avoiding a series sweep in Sunday’s finale.
He hasn’t played for the Tigers since May 9.
This story will be updated.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Kerry Carpenter returns to Tigers from injury; Gage Workman optioned
Reporting by Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
