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Rays acquire another DFA'd Tigers reliever, add him to 40-man roster

ByMason Stacy|
Jul 16, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Mason Englert (53) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Jul 16, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Mason Englert (53) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

The Rays front office seems to have a fascination with former Detroit Tigers pitchers. After trading for Tampa Bay native Alex Faedo, the Rays also recently traded for Tigers relief pitcher Mason Englert. Tampa Bay sent minor league left-hander Drew Sommers to Detroit for the 25-year old Englert.

Formerly a Rule 5 draft pick from the Rangers, he was able to take advantage of being a mainstay on the Detroit roster in 2023. However, the Texas native bounced around the organization in 2024 due to the depth of the Tigers pitching staff. The Rays will try to make the most of these talented DFA'd hurlers.

MLB hitters got to witness a considerable workload from Mason Englert in the 2023 season as he appeared in 56 innings for the Tigers. The changeup specialist had an average season as he went 4-3 with a 5.46 ERA. However, his strikeout numbers were very sub-par with a fastball velocity in the low 90s. Englert thrived on producing poor contact and ground balls with his high rate of changeups.

Last season, the right-handed reliever spent most of his time with Triple-A Toledo. The Tigers were impressed by his performances in the minor leagues, as he produced a 3.08 ERA over 32 games. Englert also started five games in the Detroit farm system.

The most notable stat from his time in the minor leagues was his strikeout ratio. He struck out 1.4 hitters per inning which was an improvement from his dismal 0.73 strikeout ratio with the Tigers in 2023.

When the former fourth round pick was called back up to the majors in August of 2024, his struggles continued. Englert struck out 16 opposing hitters in 21 innings, but accrued a 5.40 ERA during that span. The high ERA was highlighted by the four home runs he gave up in 2024. Despite those concerns, the righty's walk rate was impressive as he only gave up five free passes in those 21 innings of work.

Erik Neander and company are hoping to see growth in Englert's confidence as the Rays give him a chance to get comfortable this spring. As the newest member of the 40-man roster, the 6'4 reliever will be able to team up with former Tiger Alex Faedo, hopefully adding more depth to the Rays bullpen.

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