CLEVELAND — As the Detroit Tigers gear up for a crucial Game 5 in the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians, all eyes are on slugger Kerry Carpenter.

Despite grappling with a hamstring injury sustained while running the bases in Game 4, there's a glimmer of hope that Carpenter could make an impact off the bench on Saturday.

The tight schedule has not favored Carpenter’s recovery, especially with the game’s start time moved up by seven hours due to threats of inclement weather. Manager A.J. Hinch reported on Friday that Carpenter participated in batting practice and appeared to be feeling better. Before making a final call on his availability, the team plans to assess Carpenter after his pregame workout.

"He’s sore and experiencing some discomfort, but the adrenaline from Game 5 is a strong motivator," Hinch noted. "He’s shown optimism in practice and carried great energy this morning, which bodes well for his potential contributions."

Carpenter's return is critical for the Tigers, who rely heavily on his power at the plate. He previously demonstrated his ability to change the game's outcome when he came in as a pinch hitter during Game 2, smashing a three-run homer off All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase and helping the Tigers secure a pivotal 3-0 victory.

The slugger’s impressive stats this season—18 home runs over the course of just 87 games—highlight his potential impact, even after missing significant time due to a lower back stress fracture that hindered him from May 26 to August 13.

As Game 5 approaches, Tigers fans are eager to see if Carpenter will overcome his injury to aid in their pursuit of playoff glory. Stay tuned for updates as we inch closer to what promises to be an exhilarating conclusion to the series! Can Kerry Carpenter Rise to the Occasion? Don't miss out on this potential game-changing moment!