Carpenter expected to start Saturday vs. Twins

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Tigers have yet to officially announce their starter for Saturday's game with the Twins, but it is expected to be left-hander Ryan Carpenter.
Artie Lewicki was originally slated to start Saturday, but an MRI on Wednesday revealed that he has bone spurs in his elbow, and he has since been placed on the 10-day disabled list. With the Tigers already hampered by injuries -- Daniel Norris is also on the DL -- Carpenter is the only starter on Detroit's 40-man roster who would be available to pitch on Saturday.
"We've got plans," Detroit manager Ron Gardenhire said. "I'm just not going to announce it right now, but we've got it laid out what has to happen to get a pitcher here. We definitely have to have a starter and he's not here right now. So, we'll see where everybody's at."
Carpenter was scheduled to start for Triple-A Toledo on Friday but was scratched. His last appearance with the Tigers came on May 31. In four appearances (three starts) for the Tigers, Carpenter has a 6.39 ERA over 12 2/3 innings. In 15 Minor League starts, he is 2-8 with a 5.00 ERA over 77 1/3 innings.
Gardenhire ruled out the possibility of Detroit making Saturday a bullpen day.
"I don't know if we could do that without adding a few more 'pen guys," Gardenhire said. "We can't get rid of another player. So yeah, we'll be fine. We've got it lined up."
If Detroit opted against Carpenter, it would have to create a spot on the 40-man roster. The Tigers could do so by placing John Hicks on the 60-day disabled list. Hicks underwent surgery on Thursday to repair a bilateral core muscle deficiency.
Worth noting
Gardenhire would like to let José Iglesias rest for a few days after the shortstop left Wednesday's game with a right thumb contusion.
But the Tigers are traveling with a three-man bench, and it is possible that Iglesias could be called upon.
"We've got a few people beat up, so we're just trying to struggle through it," Gardenhire said. "Iglesias is a little sore and is going to miss a couple days, probably. He can play if we absolutely have to have him play. But he needs a couple days, probably. So we're just gonna do the best we can."