Kerry Carpenter exits game after shoulder slams into wall on misplay

TL;DR

Kerry Carpenter exited the game after slamming his left shoulder into the wall during the first inning, leading to a defensive misplay. The incident occurred in a match against the Kansas City Royals on May 9.

Key points

Kerry Carpenter exited the game due to a shoulder injury
Injury occurred after slamming into the wall
Incident led to an inside-the-park home run for Bobby Witt Jr.

Mentioned in this story

Kauffman Stadium

Kerry CarpenterBobby Witt Jr.Detroit TigersKansas City Royals

KANSAS CITY, MO – Detroit Tigers right fielder Kerry Carpenter exited the game before the bottom of the third inning.

It could be related to what happened in the first inning.

That's when Carpenter slammed his left shoulder into the wall in foul territory on a defensive mistake that led to an inside-the-park home run for Bobby Witt Jr. on Saturday, May 9, in the second of three games against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.

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Detroit Tigers right fielder Kerry Carpenter (30) celebrates scoring a run against Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Carpenter didn't immediately leave the game.

The 28-year-old hit an infield single on offense in the top of the second and played all three outs on defense in the bottom of the second – only to leave the game before taking the field for defense in the bottom of the third.

Wenceel Pérez replaced Carpenter in right field.

The Tigers haven't provided any information about Carpenter's status.

In 2026, Carpenter is hitting .216 with six home runs, 11 walks and 40 strikeouts across 37 games, registering a .750 OPS. He entered Saturday's game worth minus-three defensive runs saved over 148⅓ innings in right field.

Q&A

What happened to Kerry Carpenter during the game against the Royals?

Kerry Carpenter exited the game after injuring his left shoulder when he collided with the wall on a defensive play.

How did Kerry Carpenter's injury affect the game outcome?

Carpenter's injury occurred during a defensive misplay that allowed an inside-the-park home run for Bobby Witt Jr.

When did Kerry Carpenter exit the game against the Kansas City Royals?

Kerry Carpenter exited the game before the bottom of the third inning on May 9.