Tigers Designate Tanner Rainey For Assignment

The Tigers announced that they have selected infielder John Peck to the roster and recalled right-hander Yilber Díaz. In corresponding moves, they have optioned outfielder Corey Julks to Triple-A and designated right-hander Tanner Rainey for assignment. Peck’s promotion was reported earlier today.

Rainey, 33, was selected to the big league roster a few weeks ago. He had signed a minor league deal with the Tigers in the offseason and put up some encouraging numbers in the minors. Unfortunately, he hasn’t really been able to take advantage of the major league opportunity. Since being called up, he has thrown seven innings over six appearances. He only allowed three earned runs but he walked eight of the 31 batters he faced, an awful 25.8% clip. He also hit a batter and threw four wild pitches.

Even when he was in the minors and showing some hopeful signs, the control was an issue, as he walked 14.5% of batters faced. He still managed to post a 2.32 ERA thanks to a huge 33.5% strikeout rate and solid 41.1% ground ball rate. But after moving to the majors, the walks got worse and he only struck out 19.4% of batters faced. It was a small sample but apparently enough for the Tigers to move on.

Since the trade deadline has passed, Rainey will have to be placed on waivers. Perhaps some club will be intrigued by the big strikeout numbers he was posting for Toledo but the control issues will also give teams pause. Throughout his career, he has a 5.46 ERA with a big 27.3% strikeout rate but a ghastly 15.3% walk rate, so not much has changed from when he had to settle for a minor league deal in the winter. If he clears waivers, he will have the right to elect free agency.