Tigers Facing Decision After Kerry Carpenter News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Xavier Constantino | Last updated May 31, 2026 1:03 PM ET

The Detroit Tigers entered the weekend at 22-36, near the bottom of the American League Central, with an offense that has struggled through May while missing several key contributors.

On Sunday, they got one of those contributors back. The Tigers reinstated outfielder Kerry Carpenter from the 10-day injured list before their series finale against the Chicago White Sox, with Carpenter starting at designated hitter and batting cleanup. He had been out since May 9 with a left AC joint sprain.

Carpenter's return raises a question for Detroit: How long does Jahmai Jones hold a roster spot?

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

The 28-year-old Jones was a useful platoon bat last season, hitting .288 with seven home runs, 17 RBIs and a .970 OPS against left-handed pitching. Overall, he hit .287 with seven home runs, 23 RBIs and a .937 OPS across 72 games in 2025, providing a spark off the bench. In 2026, he has been anything but.

Jones has appeared in 40 games this season, carrying a .157 batting average with two home runs and seven RBIs for a .495 OPS. In the last 14 days, Jones is batting just .053, going 1-for-22 with three walks and five strikeouts. Jones is batting .000 against right-handed pitching, with his numbers against left-handers marginally better at .190.

The roster math is about to get interesting, too. Second baseman Gleyber Torres is rehabbing at Triple-A Toledo and is nearing his return from an oblique strain, meaning another spot will have to open up. The Tigers optioned Gage Workman to make room for Carpenter because he had options remaining. Jones does not, so moving him would mean a designation for assignment.

The Tigers today activated OF Kerry Carpenter off the 10-day injured list. INF Gage Workman has been optioned to Triple-A Toledo.
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) May 31, 2026

The Tigers will need their bats to come around if they want to climb back into the AL Central race. When Torres returns, they will have to decide whether a struggling player who fits only against left-handed pitching is worth keeping around.

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

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