“That’ll be a big boost for us” – Tigers manager A.J. Hinch praises Kerry Carpenter as injured slugger returns to lineup tonight

The Detroit Tigers will get a much-needed injection of life into their lineup as outfielder Kerry Carpenter is slated to be activated from the 60-day IL for Tuesday's game. The 26-year-old has been out of action since the end of May after suffering a brutal back injury, which derailed a strong start to his 2024 campaign.

Carpenter has been limited to only 50 games this season after sustaining a lumbar spine stress fracture. While the Tigers will likely ease him into action, perhaps limiting the number of reps he takes in the outfield, having a strong bat back in the lineup is something that manager A.J. Hinch is looking forward to.

"A.J. Hinch announces that Kerry Carpenter will return to the #Tigers lineup tonight." - @MLBNetworkRadio

"He's gonna be a guy that I'm going to ramp into activity," Hinch said in an interview on MLB Network Radio. "He's going to play a little bit of outfield, he's going to DH a lot," he continued, emphasizing the team's desire to keep him healthy and in the lineup.

"He had a really good rehab assignment, that'll be a big boost for us," the Tiger manager said before reiterating the point that he is unlikely to play every day. For a Detroit lineup that is without the likes of Riley Greene and a struggling Spencer Torkelson, Kerry Carpenter's return could be a much-needed spark for the squad.

"Kerry Carpenter with a 2-run double to right to give the Mud Hens the lead" - @tigersMLreport

Kerry Carpenter was continuing to establish himself as a star before the injury

Unfortunately for Carpenter, the devastating back injury derailed what looked to be another strong season for the outfielder. After enjoying a breakout campaign last year, there were expectations that Carpenter would take another step forward in 2024 — something that took place.

As the old adage says, “all good things must come to an end," which turned out to be the case for the Tigers' slugger. Through 50 games this season, Carpenter has posted an impressive .283 batting average with eight home runs, 29 RBIs, and a .914 OPS.

If Carpenter can pick up where he left off, Detroit should see its lineup producing at a higher level, while also allowing the coaching staff to see what they have for the seasons to come. Carpenter, Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson, and rookie breakout Colt Keith are all key pieces to the Tigers' bright future.