The Detroit Tigers might not be scorching the diamond with a 4-3 record in their last seven games, but outfielder Kerry Carpenter is certainly heating up.
In Monday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays, Carpenter contributed a key RBI double in the seventh inning of the Tigers’ 7-1 victory, finishing the game with a 1-for-5 performance. This hit extended his streak of games with at least one RBI to seven consecutive outings. According to MLB Stats, Carpenter’s achievement marks the first time a Tigers player has achieved this since Miguel Cabrera accomplished the feat back in 2013.
Sharing a stat line with a legendary figure like Cabrera is no small accomplishment, given the latter’s illustrious career highlighted by over 3,000 hits, 500 home runs, two MVP awards, and 12 All-Star appearances. Carpenter’s ability to mirror such a prominent name in Tigers history speaks volumes about his emerging talent and consistency on the field.
Selected by the Tigers in the 19th round of the 2019 MLB Draft, Carpenter’s journey to the majors wasn’t paved with top prospect status. Nonetheless, he made his big league debut at the age of 24 in 2022, and last season marked his first full campaign in MLB. Over 118 games, he impressed with a .278 batting average, 20 home runs, 64 RBI, an .811 OPS, and a 1.9 WAR, solidifying his place within Detroit’s young core.
Fast forward to the 2024 season, and Carpenter continues to make significant contributions. Leading the Tigers with a .310 batting average, a .918 OPS, and 13 RBI, he stands out as a vital asset in the lineup. With three home runs and a 0.5 WAR, Carpenter’s impact is undeniable as he plays a key role in the team’s offensive production.
As the Tigers prepare to take on the Rays once more on Tuesday at 6:50 p.m. ET, all eyes will be on Carpenter as he aims to extend his impressive RBI streak to eight games, further solidifying his status as a rising star in Detroit’s lineup.