Carlton was put on the 15-day injured list Saturday due to right elbow inflammation.
Carlton tossed two-thirds of an inning Friday, allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits while being charged with the loss against the Reds. The right-hander apparently came away with an elbow issue that will sideline him for at least 15 days. San Diego also optioned reliever Ray Kerr to Triple-A El Paso on Saturday while reinstating southpaw Tom Cosgrove from the injured list and recalling righty Pedro Avila from the minors.