The Detroit Tigers may be preparing to place another key bat on the injured list.
Speaking before Monday’s game, manager A.J. Hinch said Kerry Carpenter is “trending toward the IL” because of a left heel issue associated with plantar fasciitis. Detroit was waiting for one additional evaluation before making a final roster decision.
Outfielder Eduardo Valencia was with the club and on standby, according to Cody Stavenhagen, giving the Tigers an immediate replacement option if Carpenter is sidelined.
Carpenter Injury Would Sting Tigers Lineup
Losing Carpenter would be a significant blow during a critical stretch of the season.
When healthy, Carpenter provides Detroit with one of its most dangerous left-handed power bats. His ability to change a game with one swing gives Hinch needed thump in a lineup that cannot afford to lose much production.
Plantar fasciitis can also be difficult to manage during a baseball season. Running, cutting in the outfield and generating force at the plate all place pressure on the heel, which makes this more complicated than a minor day-to-day issue.
The Tigers will want to avoid allowing the condition to linger or worsen.
Javier Báez Will Not Return Monday
Detroit will not offset Carpenter’s potential absence by activating Javier Báez immediately.
Hinch confirmed that Báez would not be activated before Monday’s game. Báez has been working his way back through a rehabilitation assignment and recently delivered an encouraging three-double performance for Triple-A Toledo.
His return appears to be getting closer, but the Tigers are not ready to make that move yet.
That leaves Detroit facing the possibility of entering Monday night without both Carpenter and Báez available.
Eduardo Valencia Waiting for Tigers Decision
Valencia’s presence suggests the Tigers are preparing for Carpenter to land on the injured list, even though the move had not yet become official.
The final evaluation will determine whether Detroit makes the transaction. If Carpenter is placed on the IL, Valencia could be added to the active roster quickly.
For a team already dealing with injuries, this is another unwelcome development at an important point in the schedule.
Bottom Line
Kerry Carpenter is trending toward the injured list because of plantar fasciitis in his left heel, while Javier Báez will not be activated Monday.
The Tigers are still waiting for one more medical evaluation, but Eduardo Valencia’s presence indicates they are preparing for a roster move. Losing Carpenter would remove one of Detroit’s most dangerous hitters at a time when every game carries added weight.
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