Tigers’ Kerry Carpenter not in starting lineup for Game 5

Detroit Tigers slugger Kerry Carpenter is not in the starting lineup for Saturday’s decisive Game 5 of the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians.

He is dealing with a hamstring injury and underwent treatment Friday before a decision on his status.

Carpenter, who hit a three-run homer to win Game 2, got hurt while rounding third and scoring in the sixth inning of Thursday night’s Game 4. His run gave Detroit the lead before the Guardians rallied to win 5-4 and even the back-and-forth series.

He is a vital part of Detroit’s lineup. His stunning three-run homer off Cleveland All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase gave the Tigers a 3-0 win in Game 2. Carpenter hit 18 homers in 87 games during the season despite missing significant time with a stress fracture in his lower back.

The visiting Tigers will send Tarik Skubal to the mound, while the Guardians counter with Matthew Boyd.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.