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The Tigers sent Rainey outright to Triple-A Toledo on Wednesday, but rather than accepting the outright assignment, the 33-year-old righty will get a headstart on the free agent market. Rainey made six appearances at the MLB level for the Tigers in 2026, posting a 3.86 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and a troublesome 6/8 K/BB ratio over his seven innings of work.

Rainey went unclaimed on waivers after being jettisoned from Detroit’s relief mix earlier this week. The 33-year-old former high-leverage arm allowed three runs over seven innings with the Tigers. He’s made 217 appearances in the big leagues dating back to 2018.

The Tigers are moving on from Rainey after he allowed just three runs with a 6/8 K/BB ratio across seven innings of work. The well-traveled 33-year-old former high-leverage reliever has made 217 appearances in the big leagues dating back to 2018.

The 32-year-old veteran has a 2.32 ERA in 42 2/3 innings for the Tigers down in Triple-A this season. He’s been good in the minors for the last few seasons but unable to carry it over into MLB games.

All five were in camp as non-roster invitees with Effross and Rainey the ones with the most big-league experience. They’ll presumably head down to Triple-A Toledo to wait for injury or ineffectiveness to create an opportunity.

Rainey, who was non-tendered last week, joined the Tigers at the very end of the season and gave up three runs in two innings. In spite of a fine 28% strikeout rate, the former Nationals reliever has a 5.52 ERA in 211 career appearances out of the bullpen. He’ll be a long shot to win a spot coming out of camp.

Rainey has been summoned to join Detroit’s relief mix heading into the final week of the regular season. The 32-year-old veteran reliever was cut loose by Pittsburgh prior to the All-Star break after being hit hard in 11 relief appearances earlier this season. He’ll presumably operate in middle relief situations for the struggling Tigers.