Phillip Bickford: Everything you need to know

The Tigers released Bickford (triceps) on Thursday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. Bickford signed a minor-league deal with the Tigers in January and was a non-roster invitee to spring training, but he never pitched in a game due to a triceps injury. He'll now look for another opportunity in the free-agent market, but he may have a hard time landing with another team until his triceps issue clears up.

Bickford was shut down from throwing Tuesday due to a triceps strain, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports. Bickford joined Detroit on a minor-league contract in January but is now dealing with an arm injury early in camp. The right-hander was already a longshot to crack the Opening Day roster, and the injury likely guarantees he'll open 2026 at the Triple-A level.

Bickford signed a minor-league contract with the Tigers on Tuesday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports. Bickford spent time with the Cubs' and Phillies' Triple-A affiliates in 2025, posting a 3.38 ERA and 0.98 WHIP to go with a 54:17 K:BB across 48 total innings. The 30-year-old righty will likely spend the majority of 2026 at Triple-A Toledo but could return to the big leagues if he continues to find success in the minors.