Tigers Injury Updates: Javy Báez and Jackson Jobe rehab, Kerry Carpenter concerns

Everyone in baseball is holding for dear life until the trade deadline — especially the Tigers — so much so that it's hard to remember there will be a life after it.

The Tigers could go any which way on Aug. 3. They could keep Tarik Skubal and go for it, or trade him while still trying to convince fans that they're still in it. If they have any hope of doing the latter, they'll need Javy Báez and Jackson Jobe.

Just a few years ago, fans never thought we'd yearn for the day Báez was back in action, but there's something about his energy and occasional miracle swing at the plate that the Tigers need right now. He's four games deep into a rehab assignment, two games into a stint in Triple-A Toledo. On Saturday, he went 3-for-4 with three doubles.

AJ Hinch said that he'll still need more time in Triple-A, but that Báez is itching to get back onto a major league field.

Jobe is also moving his rehab to Triple-A after his fourth rehab start (second in Double-A Erie). He pitched four innings of one-run ball on Saturday, and per Chris McCosky of the Detroit News, will be in Detroit on Monday to check in with the team. He's looked dialed throughout his rehab stint so far, and his fastball velocity was up past 100 MPH in just his first start back.

The Tigers have six games to go before the trade deadline. While Báez could return during that stretch, it seems unlikely for Jobe, who wouldn't pitch anyway. But again, there will be a life after the trade deadline. Even if the rest of the season looks like a wash after next Monday, Báez and Jobe could at least help the Tigers finish on a respectable note.

Kerry Carpenter to undergo further evaluation for a heel issue

Carpenter was pulled from the Tigers' July 20 game against the Cubs in the 10th after an awkward run to first. Fans immediately feared the issue would be something with his hamstring, which he's struggled with over the last few years, but Hinch said he'd been dealing with a bruised heel.

He's made four starts since then and has even gotten a little hotter at the plate, but he was pulled after the fourth inning on Sunday against the Royals.

Hinch told reporters he had "aggravated his right heel on his last swing" and will undergo further evaluation, which is never a good sign.

Carpenter has been a problem for the Tigers' offense this year. He's hitting .208 with a .692 OPS through 81 games, .115 with a .279 OPS in July. Although the Tigers are certainly still hoping the injury isn't severe, a couple days' sitting might give him a necessary reset.

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