Kerry Carpenter returns to Tigers from injury; Gage Workman optioned

[ASFN Admin]

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 a left shoulder sprain.

The 28-year-old – 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.

TIGERS TAKEAWAYS: A.J. Hinch won't use injuries as excuse for Tigers, but health matters

To open a spot for Carpenter's return, the Tigers optioned third baseman Gage Workman to Triple-A Toledo. The 26-year-old 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.

Meanwhile, Carpenter has a track record of success against the White Sox, especially in road games.

It's 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.

LAST GAME: Tigers fall apart in clutch moments in loss to White Sox

Not sure why after just two at bats, Kerry Carpenter after drawing a walk, has a pinch runner in. Nothing seem out of the ordinary. pic.twitter.com/rdqtX56pR2

— Rogelio Castillo (@rogcastbaseball) May 31, 2026

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