The Tigers are planning contingencies in the event that Kerry Carpenter is unable to attend Game 5

Cleveland — There was good news and concerning news about the Tigers’ injury situation ahead of Saturday’s winner-take-all Game 5 at Progressive Field.

Outfielder and designated hitter Kerry Carpenter was still noticeably limping on the left hamstring he injured in the sixth inning of Game 4 on Thursday night. That’s the worrying news.

“He saw the documents last night and he sees them today,” manager AJ Hinch said. “We will take as much time as possible to see what he can and cannot do. It’s obvious what we’re dealing with. We will hope for the best in the future.”

It certainly won’t help Carpenter’s situation that Major League Baseball pushed back the start time for Game 5 to 1:08 p.m. to avoid predicted inclement weather later in the day. Hinch said he hoped a carpenter could benefit from an all-day treatment on Friday and Saturday.

“The coaches are doing a good job of figuring out what he can and can’t do,” Hinch said. “We’ll see how it goes. I have no experience in this area, but I know what I strive for and what we all strive for.”

The Tigers brought left-handed swing utility player Bligh Madris to Cleveland as a backup in case Carpenter is unavailable. Madris, who hit .269/.324/.358 in 21 games with the Tigers earlier in the season, was part of a group of players and coaches who prepared for situations like this in Toledo.

“Kerry is very important to our team and our lineup,” Hinch said. “I don’t know at the moment as I sit here (if he will be available). That will be a decision at game time if it has to be.”

If the Tigers replace Carpenter on the roster, he would not be eligible to play in the American League Championship Series under MLB rules.

“There’s no series if you don’t win tomorrow,” Hinch said. “The main goal is to win tomorrow. We will make the decision that is right for us at the right time, what we think is best for us.”

The good news, however, was that X-rays on catcher Jake Rogers’ left wrist came back negative.

“Today it hurts a little bit, but nothing crazy,” he said. “I’m good to go.”

Rogers received two foul tips on the same spot on his left wrist. The last one came at the end of the eighth when Josh Naylor blocked it. Rogers was clearly in pain and Hinch took advantage of Justyn-Henry Malloy to score on him in the ninth.

“I think the two Naylor brothers got me,” Rogers said with a smile. “I think they’re after me.”

Rogers has seen pitcher Tarik Skubal’s every start this season.

“I didn’t even know he had an X-ray,” said Skubal, who will start in Game 5. “I got a text from my coach at home this morning asking how he was doing. I thought I didn’t even know. But yeah, that’s great news that he’s okay. Great news.”

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Chris McCosky asks AJ Hinch about Saturday’s Game 5 against the Guardians.

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