Story by
Veteran pitcher elects free agency after two years in Tigers organization
- Story by
- Veteran pitcher elects free agency after two years in Tigers organization
DETROIT -- Veteran right-handed pitcher Tanner Rainey , who made brief appearances for the Detroit Tigers in each of the last two seasons, has elected free agency.
Rainey was designated for assignment Aug. 31 and outrighted to Triple-A Toledo two days later after clearing waivers. Because of his service time, he retained the right to elect free agency after the season.
Advertisement
Rainey, 33, posted a 3.86 ERA in six appearances during a nearly three-week stint with the Tigers in August. He walked eight and struck out six over seven innings.
Rainey was also called up to provide depth in the final week of the 2025 season after Charlie Morton was designated for assignment . He pitched in two regular-season games and accompanied the team through the playoffs as a taxi squad player.
Rainey has pitched in parts of nine big-league seasons, most notably with the Washington Nationals from 2019 to 2024. He won a World Series ring in 2019 during his rookie season, making four appearances in the Fall Classic against A.J. Hinch's Houston Astros.
The Tigers DFA'd and then non-tendered Rainey after last season, but quickly offered him a new minor-league contract. He was in camp this spring as a non-roster invitee.
Advertisement
Rainey has spent most of the last two seasons with Triple-A Toledo. He went 5-4 with a 3.40 ERA in 47 2/3 innings with the Mud Hens in 2026, striking out 67 and walking 29.
Latest Detroit Tigers News
Read the original article on mlive.com . Add mlive.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
