The Detroit Tigers have added right-handed pitcher Scott Effross to their roster, further bolstering their bullpen ahead of the upcoming season. Effross, who signed a minor-league deal on February 10, 2024, is expected to join the team when pitchers and catchers report to Joker Marchant Stadium on February 12.
This signing marks another strategic move for the Tigers, who are preparing for a competitive spring training. Currently, the team has 12 relievers on the 40-man roster and anticipates inviting nine additional pitchers to camp. Effross, at 32 years old, brings a unique pitching style with his sidearm delivery, featuring a combination of sinkers and sweepers that have proven effective in generating ground balls and strikeouts when healthy.
Despite struggling with injuries over the past three seasons, Effross has demonstrated potential. In 2022, while playing for the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees, he achieved a commendable 2.54 ERA and 1.059 WHIP, recording 62 strikeouts in 56.2 innings. His ability to limit left-handed hitters to a .191 batting average further enhances his appeal to the Tigers’ coaching staff.
Effross’s history of injuries, including Tommy John surgery and a back procedure, has sidelined him for significant periods, but if he can regain his form, he may provide a much-needed boost to the bullpen. The Tigers are looking to replicate the success they had with side-armer Chase Lee, who was recently traded to the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Tigers have focused on improving their pitching depth this offseason. They successfully signed free-agent relievers Kenley Jansen for one year at $11 million and Kyle Finnegan for two years at $19 million. Both are expected to play crucial roles in manager AJ Hinch‘s bullpen strategy for the 2024 season. Alongside Jansen and Finnegan, the team will rely on pitchers like Will Vest and Tyler Holton to solidify their late-game performances.
Competing for spots in the bullpen are several other right-handers, including Beau Brieske, Brenan Hanifee, Ty Madden, and Dylan Smith. Left-handed options such as Bailey Horn, Brant Hurter, and Drew Sommers are also in the mix. Jake Miller, another lefty on the 40-man roster, is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not expected to be available at the beginning of spring training.
General manager Jeff Greenberg expressed optimism about the team’s offseason moves. “We feel we have addressed several of our biggest needs coming into the offseason,” he stated. “We wanted to add impact arms at the back end of the ‘pen, and we did that. On the other hand, we’re also going to stay open-minded to finding additional ways to make this team better. We feel like we’re in a position now where we can be pretty opportunistic.”
Last season, the Tigers utilized 29 different relievers, excluding position players, highlighting the necessity for a versatile and robust bullpen. With a growing roster of relief pitchers preparing for camp, Detroit aims to build a competitive team for the upcoming season.
