The Detroit Tigers are rolling, and the injury report is starting to look a little friendlier too.
With a three-game set against the AL Central-leading Chicago White Sox coming up at Comerica Park, Detroit released updates on several key players who are working their way back. The timing matters. Since June 1, the Tigers have been the only team in Major League Baseball with a run differential of more than 100, and they’ve made up a lot of ground after a rough May.
Riley Greene is the newest name on the list. The three-time All-Star was put on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring injury suffered while running the bases in the series opener against the Cleveland Guardians.
Detroit won that series without him, and the club says Greene is completing rehab daily. Chris McCosty of The Detroit News reported that Greene is taking his rehab to Lakeland.
The last time he was on the IL was in 2024, when he missed about 20 games.
Kerry Carpenter is also on the 10-day IL after landing there with left foot plantar fasciitis. Detroit has missed the left-handed slugger’s power presence, especially against right-handed pitching.
His numbers are down this season, but his bat still matters in A.J. Hinch’s lineup.
The Tigers said Carpenter is completing a return-to-play hitting, running, and defensive progression, and while it wasn’t specified whether he’ll need a rehab assignment, that seems likely.
Jack Flaherty has been on the 15-day IL with right forearm inflammation, and the minimum stay has already passed. Hinch said as much, though Flaherty remains sidelined.
There is still movement, though. The Tigers said he is completing a return-to-play throwing program, which points to a return getting closer.
How Detroit uses him once he’s back is still unclear, especially with Keider Montero pitching well as a starter.
Brant Hurter looks closer than most. The lefty is nearing a return and will pitch again Friday in a rehab assignment with the Toledo Mud Hens. If everything goes smoothly, he could be back in the next series or two.
Matt Vierling is also working back from the 10-day IL after a left adductor strain. Detroit said he is completing a return-to-play hitting, running, and defensive progression, but there’s no estimated timetable for his return. He could help with depth, though the current play of Max Clark, Ben Malgeri, and Eduardo Valencia may complicate the picture.
Reese Olson remains a longer-term situation. The right-hander had right shoulder surgery this offseason and won’t return until spring training 2027, but he is completing a return-to-play throwing progression.
James Outman is in the seven-day concussion protocol after being hit by a pitch off the chin/face in the series against Cleveland. Once he’s cleared, he’ll likely come back as a defensive replacement.
The injury report also listed Parker Meadows, Wenceel Perez, Burch Smith, Bailey Horn, Trey Sweeney, Justin Verlander, and Will Vest, with Verlander also playing catch.
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