Tigers slugger Kerry Carpenter's status for Game 5 of ALDS unclear due to hamstring injury

CLEVELAND (AP) — Detroit Tigers slugger Kerry Carpenter was undergoing treatment Friday and resting a hamstring injury that could keep him out of Saturday's decisive Game 5 of the AL Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians.

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

Manager A.J. Hinch said the team is waiting to see how Carpenter's injury responds before making any lineup or roster decisions.

“We’re going to take as much time as we can to see what he can and can’t handle," Hinch said before the Tigers worked out in Progressive Field. "It’s obvious what he’s dealing with and we’re going to hope for the best as we move forward because he’s important to our team and our lineup.

“I don’t know right now what that’s going to be and we’ll make a game-time decision.”

Hinch's comments came before MLB changed the start time seven hours, moving first pitch from 8:08 p.m. to 1:08 p.m. The switch was made due to the potential for inclement weather, MLB said in a release.

Carpenter 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. He hit 18 homers in just 87 games during the season despite missing significant time with a stress fracture in his lower back.

If the Tigers have to replace Carpenter on their roster, he would be ineligible if the team advances to play the New York Yankees in the ALCS.

Hinch said his focus was only on finding a way to advance.

“There is no series if you don’t win tomorrow," Hinch said. “The No. 1 goal is to win and we’ll make the right decision for us that we feel is best for us.”

Bligh Madris, who has been working out with other Detroit players in Toledo during the series, is with the Tigers and would be the likely replacement for Carpenter. Madris batted .269 in 21 games for Detroit this season.

Also, Tigers catcher Jake Rogers said he was sore but otherwise fine after being hit with two foul balls on the left hand in Thursday's game.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

Detroit Tigers' Kerry Carpenter singles in the sixth inning during Game 4 of a baseball American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Detroit Tigers' Kerry Carpenter, left, scores in front of Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor in the sixth inning during Game 4 of a baseball American League Division Series, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Detroit Tigers' Kerry Carpenter reacts after scoring in the sixth inning during Game 4 of a baseball American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Cam Skattebo ran for 158 yards and two touchdowns and Arizona State spoiled Utah quarterback Cameron Rising's return with a 27-19 victory over the 16th-ranked Utes on Friday night.

The Sun Devils (5-1, 2-1 Big 12) lost quarterback Sam Leavitt for most of the second quarter, yet found a way to pull out the biggest win of second-year coach Kenny Dillingham's career.

Skattebo had a lot to do with it.

On a run in the third quarter, Arizona State's contact-seeking running back broke several tackles, put his hand down to keep his balance and stiff-armed another tackler for a 50-yard touchdown run. Skattebo put the game all but out of reach in the fourth quarter, breaking a tackle then outrunning Utah's defense for a 47-yard touchdown dash.

Leavitt threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Jordyn Tyson before going out on a hard hit in the second quarter. Jeff Sims, his replacement, completed the injury-inducing drive with a 2-yard TD run and Leavitt returned for the second half.

Arizona State is off to its best start since opening 5-1 in 2019.

Rising threw three interceptions after missing three games with a finger injury and the Utes (4-2, 1-2) spent most of the night failing to capitalize on opportunities in the Sun Devils' end.

Rising threw an interception at Arizona State's 9, Utah turned it over on downs early in the fourth quarter and the Utes had to settle for field goals on four more trips inside Arizona State's 30. The last, by Cole Becker from 46 yards in the fourth quarter, came after a pass-interference penalty against Money Parks negated Mycah Pittman's 12-yard touchdown catch.

Rising threw another interception late, finishing 16 of 37 for 209 yards.

Micah Bernard carried Utah's offense most of the night, running for 129 yards and a touchdown.

THE TAKEAWAY

Skattebo has been one of the nation's most versatile running backs and seems to get better later in games. His hard running and an improved defense may lead to Arizona State earning its first ranking since 2021. Utah will likely drop out of the AP Top 25 after its second straight loss.

UP NEXT

Utah: Hosts TCU next Saturday.

Arizona State: At Cincinnati next Saturday.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Utah quarterback Cameron Rising throws the ball over Arizona State defensive lineman Blazen Lono-Wong in the first half during an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)