Kerry Carpenter Delivers Despite Hamstring Injury in ALDS Game 5

Detroit Tigers slugger Kerry Carpenter made a significant impact in Game 5 of the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians, despite being hampered by a hamstring injury. Carpenter, who sustained the injury while rounding the bases in Game 4, was not in the starting lineup for Saturday’s decisive game but was used as a pinch hitter in the fifth inning.

In the fifth inning, Carpenter hit an RBI single to right-center field, giving the Tigers a 1-0 lead. This clutch performance is reminiscent of his earlier heroics in the series, where he hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning of Game 2 off Cleveland’s All-Star closer, Emmanuel Clase, securing a 3-0 victory for the Tigers.

Manager A.J. Hinch indicated that Carpenter participated in batting practice on Friday and reported feeling improved, though he was still experiencing soreness and discomfort. Hinch expressed optimism about Carpenter’s availability off the bench, citing the player’s adrenaline and positive spirits as factors that could mitigate his current condition.

Carpenter’s contribution is crucial for the Tigers, given his impressive performance this season. Despite playing in only 87 games due to a lower back stress fracture, he hit 18 home runs. The Tigers will need his power as they face the Guardians, with Tarik Skubal pitching for Detroit and Matthew Boyd starting for Cleveland.