The Detroit Tigers continue to deal with significant injury concerns while trying to remain in contention for the American League Central. The team has made multiple roster moves due to injuries to key players.
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According to the team website, outfielder Kerry Carpenter has landed on the 10-day injured list due to a left shoulder sprain. He sustained the injury during a game against the Kansas City Royals. Carpenter tried to chase down a hit but crashed hard into the right-field sidewall. He ultimately left the game with an AC joint sprain.
"Initial tests have shown no structural damage, but he has inflammation," manager A.J. Hinch said, per the team website. "And he's obviously really sore."
With Carpenter heading to the injured list, the Tigers have called up infielder Gage Workman from Triple-A Toledo. The MLB team also moved pitcher Justin Verlander to the 60-day injured list to make room for Workman on the 40-man roster.
Verlander has been out of action since March 30 due to left hip inflammation. The Tigers initially put him on the 15-day injured list, but he did not fully recover in time to return to the lineup.
The 43-year-old pitcher made some progress in his recovery on April 12. He threw more than 40 pitches during a warmup session, and he later told media members that he felt good. He also noted that he remained open to a rehab start in the minors.
"I think either one gets the job done," Verlander said in mid-April. "That's kind of getting ahead of things a little bit. I think we'll look at Minor League schedules, look at our schedule, kind of go from there.
"Obviously, I think a sim game's going to be a little bit easier, but I don't know how the training staff feels about that versus a little more competitive atmosphere. I've done both before. I think the thing I really have going for me is that both of those are an option because it's been limited time (sidelined), and I haven't stopped throwing."
Verlander ultimately eschewed the rehab game. He took part in a simulation session on April 9 and threw 38 pitches while facing four batters two times each. He said after that he felt pretty good and that he will keep moving forward.
While he made progress, he won't return to the lineup anytime soon. Verlander will remain on the 60-IR as part of the flurry of roster moves.
