Tigers injury update: Dillon Dingler cleared to catch, Kerry Carpenter close to return

LAKELAND, Fla. — Dillon Dingler has been catching.

But he hasn't been able to catch in games.

Dingler, the Detroit Tigers' top catching prospect who finished last season in Triple-A Toledo, underwent a right elbow arthroscopy in the offseason, thus delaying his throwing progression. The 25-year-old is scheduled to catch in a game when the calendar turns to March, possibly as soon as Friday, March 1.

"It's just been a rehab process," manager A.J. Hinch said of Dingler, who has been able to participate in all other baseball activities. "He threw to the bases today before he got on the bus to go to Sarasota and was perfectly normal, so I don't expect any issues once he gets behind the plate."

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Dingler traveled to Sarasota, Florida, to serve as the backup designated hitter Tuesday against the Baltimore Orioles in the road game of the split-squad. He will be the designated hitter Thursday against the Boston Red Sox in Fort Myers, Florida.

After that, Dingler will catch in his first spring training game, either Friday or Saturday.

The Tigers play against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday in Lakeland, Florida, followed by a matchup with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday in Lakeland.

Dingler, a former second-round draft pick, hit .256 with 16 home runs, 42 walks and 105 strikeouts across 89 games in the minor leagues last season, including 26 games with Triple-A Toledo. He hit just .202 with the Mud Hens.

The arthroscopy, a minor surgical procedure, removed loose bodies from his right elbow.

Dingler is 2-for-3 with one walk and one hit-by-pitch across five plate appearances as the designated hitter in spring training, spanning two games.

Kerry Carpenter injury

Outfielder Kerry Carpenter is close to returning from a left hamstring strain.

The 26-year-old completed running drills and took live batting practice on the backfields Tuesday in Lakeland. He faced three pitchers from minor-league spring training.

"He was always going to be active, but it's nice to get him on the field," Hinch said. "He ran and did his work. He's been saying all along that he's not concerned, so generally when the player's not concerned, I'm not concerned."

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Carpenter, who suffered the injury five days ago in a baserunning drill, is optimistic about a speedy return.

"I'll be back soon," Carpenter said.

Hinch said the Tigers will ease Carpenter into spring training games. He could return as the designated hitter before playing the corner outfield positions.

"He's getting just as many, if not more at-bats, this way than he would be if he was actually playing in games," Hinch said. "I'm glad he's trending back toward getting into games."

Brendan White, Sawyer Gipson-Long

Right-handed reliever Brendan White (right elbow soreness) completed a bullpen session Tuesday without any setbacks. He is scheduled to throw another bullpen Thursday.

Right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long (left groin strain) began his throwing progression over the weekend and will build his volume throughout the week.

Kenta Maeda's schedule

Right-hander Kenta Maeda, who signed a two-year, $24 million contract, is scheduled to start Friday against the Phillies at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland.

The 35-year-old is expected to pitch two innings, but his workload hasn't been finalized yet.

"I'll talk to him after his bullpen session," Hinch said.

Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers' Dillon Dingler cleared to catch after elbow procedure