By Mmesoma 
The Detroit Tigers faced a significant setback Tuesday as they placed outfielder Kerry Carpenter on the 10-day injured list due to persistent right hamstring tightness. An MRI revealed no serious damage, but the timing — just before their series against the Nationals — makes the move a tough pill to swallow for Detroit’s lineup .
Carpenter, 27, had been a key offensive force for the Tigers this season, slashing .257 and slugging 16 home runs with 32 RBIs across 78 games. Before the injury, he had hit .224/.246/.567 in June with six homers, highlighting both his power and consistency .
His hamstring flared up in Sunday’s matchup at Minnesota, forcing an early exit after delivering a solo homer and an RBI triple. The injury followed mild hamstring discomfort he had dealt with earlier in the month . Manager A.J. Hinch stated, “We’ve had him play through it… but with 12 games left before the All‑Star break, we want to ensure he’s ready for the second half” .
To fill the vacancy, Detroit called up infielder Trey Sweeney from Triple-A Toledo. The 25-year-old has appeared in 70 games this season, batting .221 with four home runs and 23 RBIs. He was recently sent down but returns just in time for the doubleheader opener Tuesday — weather permitting .
The Nationals experienced a weather delay on Tuesday, pushing their series opener to a split doubleheader Wednesday. Washington also activated veteran Paul DeJong from the injured list for their infield mix, meaning Detroit won’t have an easy time while still missing Carpenter .
Detroit currently leads the American League, and though the gravity of this roster move is serious, the club appears confident Carpenter will return stronger. With the All-Star break just around the corner, Tigers management seems to be playing the long game.