Detroit Tigers Trim Roster Ahead of Opening Day

Five players reassigned to minor-league camp as Tigers finalize 26-man roster

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Detroit Tigers have reassigned five players to their minor-league affiliate in Toledo as they continue to trim their roster ahead of the upcoming MLB season. The players cut include pitchers Scott Effross, Jack Little, Tanner Rainey, and Konnor Pilkington, as well as outfielder Corey Julks. With just over a week until Opening Day, the Tigers are working to finalize their 26-man roster.

Why it matters

These roster moves are a normal part of the spring training process as teams get ready for the regular season. The Tigers are evaluating their depth and determining the best mix of players to carry on their active roster. Decisions like these can have implications for the team's performance and depth throughout the year.

The details

The five players reassigned to minor-league camp were all non-roster invitees to spring training. The group includes right-handed pitchers Scott Effross, Jack Little, and Tanner Rainey, left-hander Konnor Pilkington, and outfielder Corey Julks. These players will now report to Triple-A Toledo to begin the season, providing the Tigers with experienced depth at the upper levels of their farm system.

  • The roster moves were announced on March 18, 2026.
  • Opening Day for the 2026 MLB season is scheduled for March 26, 2026.

The players

Scott Effross

A right-handed pitcher who will begin the 2026 season with the Tigers' Triple-A affiliate in Toledo.

Jack Little

A right-handed pitcher who will begin the 2026 season with the Tigers' Triple-A affiliate in Toledo.

Tanner Rainey

A right-handed pitcher who will begin the 2026 season with the Tigers' Triple-A affiliate in Toledo.

Konnor Pilkington

A left-handed pitcher who will begin the 2026 season with the Tigers' Triple-A affiliate in Toledo.

Corey Julks

An outfielder who will begin the 2026 season with the Tigers' Triple-A affiliate in Toledo.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These moves are less about surprises and more about finalizing depth and roles. The bullpen competition is tightening, especially with multiple right-handed relievers being reassigned.”

— Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press reporter

What’s next

With just over a week until Opening Day, the Tigers will continue to evaluate their roster and make any final decisions on their 26-man active roster for the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Tigers' roster moves are a normal part of spring training as the team works to finalize its depth and determine the best mix of players to carry on the active roster. These decisions will have implications for the team's performance and depth throughout the 2026 season.