Kerry Carpenter Sends Message After Unfortunate Tigers News

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Kerry Carpenter Sends Message After Unfortunate Tigers News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Xavier Constantino | Last updated Jul 28, 2026 7:35 PM ET

Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter didn't hold back Tuesday when asked about the Tigers' decision to designate catcher Jake Rogers for assignment, making clear the move hit hard in the clubhouse.

The Tigers cleared a roster spot for shortstop Javier Baez, who returned from the injured list Tuesday and started in center field. Rogers, a fixture in Detroit since his 2019 debut, was let go instead of a handful of other roster candidates, which stunned much of the fan base and the team.

The move now puts Eduardo Valencia, called up Monday when Carpenter went to the injured list, into the backup catcher role behind Dillon Dingler.

Detroit Tigers right fielder Kerry Carpenter (30) © Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Carpenter, who is currently on the injured list himself, spoke to The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen about losing a teammate widely regarded as one of the sport's most well-liked clubhouse presences.

"I think we're all pretty torn up about it," Carpenter said. "A guy that you can always count on to lighten the mood and bring joy to the clubhouse and the dugout and the game."

This move hit harder than most in the Tigers' clubhouse.

Kerry Carpenter on Jake Rogers: "I think we’re all pretty torn up about it. ... A guy that you can always count on to lighten the mood and bring joy to the clubhouse and the dugout and the game." https://t.co/KxXt0Iv0rG
— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) July 28, 2026

Rogers, 31, hit .161 with three home runs and a .567 OPS in 34 games this season, but his impact went well beyond the stat line. He was a key figure during Tarik Skubal's 2024 Cy Young campaign, a bond Skubal honored with a gifted watch during his award speech. Rogers will have 10 days to be claimed off waivers, and a contender could easily view his defense and leadership as worth a bench spot down the stretch.

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

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