Tigers release former Nationals 3.97 ERA reliever before Yankees series
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Before their series against the New York Yankees, the Detroit Tigers made a notable roster move involving their pitching staff.
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According to his MLB.com profile, left-hander Konnor Pilkington was released from the organization.
Pilkington was pitching with Detroit's Triple-A affiliate in Toledo. He made 32 appearances and posted a 4.45 ERA with the Washington Nationals in 2025.
"Control has been an increasingly large problem for Pilkington over the last few seasons in the minors and during his brief big league career, and his walk rate spiked up to an ungainly 17.6% over his 33 1/3 innings with Toledo," Mark Polishuk of MLB Trade Rumors wrote Sunday.
The lefty made his MLB debut in 2022 with the Cleveland Guardians, but he walked 32 batters and struck out 50 in 58 innings during his rookie season.
"Extra velo doesn’t mean much if the ball isn’t over the plate, however, and a new team will need to take steps to try and fix Pilkington’s command," Polishuk added.
"He has one minor league option remaining, so he would provide some roster flexibility for a club looking for bullpen depth."
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Clearly, the Tigers didn't have any plans to allow Pilkington to showcase his abilities in the Major League bullpen.
He may be able to find a better path to time on the mound with another organization.