BRADENTON, FL - As the Detroit Tigers continue to fine-tune their roster, five players have been reassigned to minor-league camp. This latest round of cuts leaves the Tigers with 40 players in MLB camp, not counting three on the 60-day injured list, as they gear up for Opening Day on March 26.
Heading to Triple-A Toledo are right-handed relievers Scott Effross, Jack Little, and Tanner Rainey, left-handed reliever Konnor Pilkington, and outfielder Corey Julks. Manager A.J.
Hinch noted that all except Julks will report to minor-league games on Friday. Julks has the flexibility to decide where he wants to play, with at-bats available in the big leagues if he chooses.
Effross, the only sidearm reliever in camp, is recovering from a left oblique strain. At 32, he’s just starting his throwing program and will miss the start of the Triple-A season. Effross has a connection with Tigers’ vice president of baseball strategy Alex Smith from their days with the Chicago Cubs, which helped facilitate his minor-league contract.
Among the healthy pitchers, Rainey, 33, stands out with his extensive MLB experience. He boasts a 5.52 ERA over 199 innings in 211 games and was part of the Washington Nationals' 2019 World Series win.
Pilkington, 28, turned heads in spring training with a 3.68 ERA, eight strikeouts, and no walks over 7⅓ innings. His fastball averaged 92.4 mph, complemented by a slider and changeup that, while effective, did give up three homers.
"Pilkington's arsenal is impressive," Hinch said. "He offers balance and versatility, especially against righties, and his ability to challenge lefties is a definite asset."
With Pilkington out of the mix, the Tigers might carry three lefty relievers. Enmanuel De Jesus and Sean Guenther are vying to join Tyler Holton and Brant Hurter in the bullpen, with De Jesus appearing to have the edge.
"I see all these guys as potential contributors," Hinch added. "Pilkington was a bit behind the remaining lefties, but he showed us a lot."
On the offensive side, Corey Julks has emerged as a valuable outfield option. This spring, he hit .333 with three homers, demonstrating his potential as a right-handed hitter against left-handed pitchers.
Over his three-year MLB career, Julks has played in 165 games, hitting .234 with a .625 OPS. His Triple-A numbers from 2022-25, including a .314 average in 2025, highlight his capability against lefties.
Should there be any setbacks with Matt Vierling or Jahmai Jones, Julks is primed for a call-up. "The message to Julks is to stay ready," Hinch emphasized. "His camp performance was outstanding, making him a strong candidate for our roster when needed."