Kerry Carpenter hasn't appeared in a game for the Detroit Tigers since June 28, but Tuesday saw him take a significant step toward his eventual return from the injured list.
Carpenter, who has been on the IL since June 30 with a hamstring strain, began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Toledo and went 1-for-4 with a single as a designated hitter. Before the injury, he hit .257 with 16 home runs and a .780 OPS in 78 games.
Carpenter is expected to play six innings in the outfield on Wednesday and will need multiple rehab games before he rejoins the Tigers, but Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press floated July 25 against the Toronto Blue Jays as a potential return date.