Kerry Carpenter News Emerges After Removal From Tigers Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Apr 6, 2026 6:36 PM ET

The Detroit Tigers are looking to get back on track this week after losing their series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. Through their first nine games of the year, Detroit owns a 4-5 record.

One player, however, who is starting to heat up is right fielder Kerry Carpenter. After a slow start through the first two series of the year against the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks, Carpenter broke out over the weekend against the Cardinals.

He collected four hits in nine at-bats, including two home runs and five RBIs, helping Detroit win the series. But just as he was starting to build momentum, he was not in the lineup for Monday’s series opener against the Minnesota Twins.

Detroit Tigers designated hitter Kerry Carpenter (30)© Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

It was especially surprising for Tigers fans not to see Carpenter in the lineup, particularly with right-hander Joe Ryan on the mound for Minnesota. Not only does Carpenter crush right-handed pitching, but he has also thrived specifically against Ryan and the Twins.

In his career, Carpenter owns a 1.076 OPS against Minnesota in 33 games. He also has a .500 batting average individually against Ryan, including a home run.

With all that in mind, his absence raised immediate concern that he may have suffered an injury. Fortunately, that is not the case. Carpenter is instead battling an illness, which is why he was held out. “Kerry Carpenter not in the lineup tonight. He’s battling a stomach bug,” reported Chris McCosky of The Detroit News.

Kerry Carpenter not in the lineup tonight. He’s battling a stomach bug.
— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) April 6, 2026

It is unclear whether Carpenter will be available off the bench in a potential pinch-hit situation. Zach McKinstry will start in his place in right field, with Riley Greene taking over designated hitter duties.

Carpenter remains one of the most important hitters in Detroit’s lineup, so his absence will be felt even if it is only for one game. He is also one of the Tigers’ best developmental success stories as a 19th-round draft pick back in 2019.

He has spent the past five seasons in Detroit, helping the club reach back-to-back playoff appearances. He is here to stay too, under team control through the 2028 season, with his focus set on bringing a World Series title back to the city.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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