# Tanner Rainey

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**Tanner Scott Rainey** (born December 25, 1992) is an American professional [baseball](/source/Baseball) [pitcher](/source/Pitcher) in the [Detroit Tigers](/source/Detroit_Tigers) organization. He has previously played in [Major League Baseball](/source/Major_League_Baseball) (MLB) for the [Cincinnati Reds](/source/Cincinnati_Reds), [Washington Nationals](/source/Washington_Nationals), and [Pittsburgh Pirates](/source/Pittsburgh_Pirates). He was drafted by the Reds in the second round of the [2015 MLB draft](/source/2015_Major_League_Baseball_draft). He made his MLB debut with the Reds in 2018.

## Career

### Amateur career

Rainey attended [St. Paul's School](/source/St._Paul's_School_(Louisiana)) in [Covington, Louisiana](/source/Covington,_Louisiana). He played [college baseball](/source/College_baseball) at [Southeastern Louisiana University](/source/Southeastern_Louisiana_University) and the [University of West Alabama](/source/University_of_West_Alabama) as a pitcher and [first baseman](/source/First_baseman).[1]

### Cincinnati Reds

The [Cincinnati Reds](/source/Cincinnati_Reds) selected Rainey as a pitcher in the second round of the [2015 Major League Baseball draft](/source/2015_Major_League_Baseball_draft).[2] Rainey signed with the Reds, made his professional debut with the [Billings Mustangs](/source/Billings_Mustangs),[3] and spent the whole season there, pitching to a 2–2 record and 4.27 ERA in 15 starts. He pitched 2016 with the [Dayton Dragons](/source/Dayton_Dragons) and was 5–10 with a 5.57 ERA in 29 games (20 starts), and 2017 with the [Daytona Tortugas](/source/Daytona_Tortugas) and [Pensacola Blue Wahoos](/source/Pensacola_Blue_Wahoos), compiling a combined 3–3 record and 3.19 ERA in 53 relief appearances along with 104 strikeouts in 62 innings (15.1 per nine innings).[4] The Reds invited him to spring training in 2018.[5]

On April 10, 2018, Rainey's contract was purchased by the Reds. He made his major league debut that same day against the [Philadelphia Phillies](/source/Philadelphia_Phillies), pitching one inning of relief and giving up a grand slam to [Scott Kingery](/source/Scott_Kingery).[6] In the 2018 season with the Reds, he was 0–0 with a 24.23 ERA, as in seven innings over eight games he gave up 13 hits, 12 walks, and 19 earned runs.[7]

### Washington Nationals

On December 12, 2018, the Reds traded Rainey to the [Washington Nationals](/source/Washington_Nationals) for [Tanner Roark](/source/Tanner_Roark).[8] Rainey was called up to the Nationals from the Triple-A [Fresno Grizzlies](/source/Fresno_Grizzlies) on May 18, 2019,[9] and swiftly became one of manager [Dave Martinez](/source/Dave_Martinez)'s go-to relievers.[10] He earned his first career win in relief on June 1, beating Roark and the Reds at [Great American Ball Park](/source/Great_American_Ball_Park).[11]

In 2019, Rainey was 2–3 with a 3.91 ERA in 52 relief appearances, as he struck out 74 batters in 48 1⁄3 innings (13.8 per nine innings), but walked 38 batters (7.1 walks per 9 innings pitched).[12] The Nationals finished the 2019 year with a 93–69 record, clinched a wild card spot, and won the [World Series](/source/2019_World_Series) over the [Houston Astros](/source/Houston_Astros).[13] Rainey pitched 6 2⁄3 innings with 5 walks and 6 strikeouts in the 2019 playoffs including throwing 2 strikeouts and finishing Game 3 of the [2019 NLCS](/source/2019_NLCS), the first ever NLCS game at [Nationals Park](/source/Nationals_Park) and in [Washington, DC](/source/Washington,_DC) history. Rainey pitched 20 1⁄3 innings of 2.66 ERA ball in 2020, going along with 32 strikeouts and a 1–1 record, however after experiencing forearm tightness in mid-September 2020, Rainey sat out the remainder of the season.[14] In 2021, Rainey made 38 appearances for the Nationals, and pitched to a 1–3 record and 7.39 ERA with 25 walks (averaging 7.1 walks per 9 innings) and 42 strikeouts in 31 2⁄3 innings pitched.[7]

Rainey improved his numbers in 2022, pitching in 29 games and recording a 3.30 ERA with 12 saves and 36 strikeouts in 30 innings of work. On July 13, 2022, Rainey was abruptly placed on the 60-day injured list with a sprain of his [ulnar collateral ligament](/source/Ulnar_collateral_ligament_(elbow)) in his right elbow.[15] On August 3, he underwent [Tommy John surgery](/source/Tommy_John_surgery), ending his season.[16]

On September 29, 2023, Rainey was activated from the injured list to make his season debut and return from surgery.[17] Rainey made 50 appearances for Washington in 2024, compiling a 4.76 ERA with 44 strikeouts across 51 innings pitched. On November 22, 2024, the Nationals non–tendered Rainey, making him a free agent.[18]

### Pittsburgh Pirates

On December 7, 2024, Rainey signed a minor league contract with the [Pittsburgh Pirates](/source/Pittsburgh_Pirates).[19] He was assigned to the Triple-A [Indianapolis Indians](/source/Indianapolis_Indians) to begin the 2025 season. On May 3, 2025, the Pirates selected Rainey's contract, adding him to their active roster.[20] In 11 appearances for Pittsburgh, he struggled to an 0-1 record and 10.57 ERA with nine strikeouts across 7 2⁄3 innings pitched. On June 2, Rainey was [designated for assignment](/source/Designated_for_assignment) by the Pirates.[21] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Indianapolis, but rejected the assignment and elected free agency on June 4.[22] On June 10, Rainey re-signed with Pittsburgh on a minor league contract.[23] He was released by the Pirates organization on July 8.[24]

### Detroit Tigers

On July 18, 2025, Rainey signed a minor league contract with the [Detroit Tigers](/source/Detroit_Tigers).[25] In 19 appearances for the Triple-A [Toledo Mud Hens](/source/Toledo_Mud_Hens), he posted a 1-0 record and 2.66 ERA with 33 strikeouts and one save 23 2⁄3 innings pitched. On September 21, the Tigers selected Rainey's contract, adding him to their active roster.[26] In two appearances for Detroit, he struggled to a 13.50 ERA with two strikeouts over two innings of work. Rainey was designated for assignment by the Tigers on November 18.[27] On November 21, he was non-tendered by Detroit and became a free agent.[28]

On November 26, 2025, Rainey re-signed with the Tigers on a minor league contract.[29]

## Personal life

Rainey is married to his wife Kelsey. The couple has two children: Ryker and Rory.[30] Their son, Ryker Scott was born on December 7, 2021.[31] Their daughter, Rory Rae, was born on January 26, 2023.[32]

## References

1. ["Power-hitting Tanner Rainey of West Alabama drafted as a pitcher by Cincinnati Reds"](http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/06/power-hitting_tanner_rainey_of.html). June 9, 2015.

1. ["Reds close out Draft Day 1 with Tanner Rainey at No. 71"](https://www.mlb.com/news/reds-close-out-draft-day-1-with-tanner-rainey-at-no-71/c-129466122). *MLB.com*. June 9, 2015.

1. RACHAC, GREG (June 23, 2015). ["Mustangs' Rainey trading long balls for fastballs"](http://billingsgazette.com/sports/baseball/professional/minor/pioneer-league/mustangs/mustangs-rainey-trading-long-balls-for-fastballs/article_794f97fa-2d31-56be-92d0-090925e2e7eb.html)

1. ["Tanner Rainey Stats, Highlights, Bio – MiLB.com Stats – The Official Site of Minor League Baseball"](http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=663432#/career/R/pitching/2018/ALL). MiLB.com. Retrieved March 25, 2018.

1. Fay, John. ["Cincinnati Reds prospect Tanner Rainey making a big impression with his big fastball and slider"](https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/mlb/reds/2018/03/09/cincinnati-reds-prospect-tanner-rainey-making-big-impression-his-big-fastball-and-slider/411759002/). *The Enquirer*

1. Pianovich, Stephen (April 11, 2018). ["Bailey flirts with no-no, bullpen falters in loss"](https://www.mlb.com/reds/news/homer-bailey-flirts-with-no-hitter-in-loss/c-271661860). *MLB.com*. Retrieved April 11, 2018.

1. ["Tanner Rainey Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More"](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/raineta01.shtml). *Baseball-Reference.com*

1. ["Nationals trade RHP Roark to Reds for Rainey"](http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/25520483/washington-nationals-trade-tanner-roark-cincinnati-reds-tanner-rainey). December 13, 2018.

1. ["Nationals recall Tanner Rainey"](https://www.masnsports.com/masn-news-information/2019/05/nationals-recall-tanner-rainey.html). MASN Sports. May 18, 2019. Retrieved June 6, 2019.

1. Finney, Blake (June 3, 2019). ["Improved command leading Tanner Rainey to big role in the Washington Nationals' bullpen"](https://www.federalbaseball.com/2019/6/3/18642455/improved-command-leading-tanner-rainey-big-role-washington-nationals-bullpen). Federal Baseball. Retrieved June 6, 2019.

1. Kerr, Byron (June 1, 2019). ["Tanner beats Tanner as Nats right the series with 5–2 win over Reds"](https://www.masnsports.com/byron-kerr/2019/06/tanner-beats-tanner-as-nats-right-the-series-with-5-2-win-over-reds.html). MASN Sports. Retrieved June 6, 2019.

1. ["Tanner Rainey Stats"](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/raineta01.shtml)

1. ["Washington Nationals win 2019 World Series"](https://www.mlb.com/news/nationals-win-2019-world-series). MLB. Retrieved October 31, 2019.

1. ["Tanner Rainey: Future closer; concerns over forearm tightness; Should he return in 2020?"](https://www.federalbaseball.com/2020/9/15/21436337/tanner-rainey-washington-nationals-future-closer-concerns-over-forearm-tightness-back-in-2020). September 15, 2020.

1. ["Nationals' Tanner Rainey: Likely done for season"](https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/nationals-tanner-rainey-likely-done-for-season-839072/). *cbssports.com*. July 13, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.

1. ["Nationals' Tanner Rainey: Undergoes Tommy John surgery"](https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/nationals-tanner-rainey-undergoes-tommy-john-surgery/). *cbssports.com*. August 3, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2023.

1. ["Nationals' Tanner Rainey: Activated from IL"](https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/nationals-tanner-rainey-activated-from-il/). *cbssports.com*. September 29, 2023. Retrieved October 1, 2023.

1. ["All-Star reliever Finnegan a free agent after being non-tendered by Nats"](https://www.mlb.com/news/kyle-finnegan-non-tendered-by-nationals). *mlb.com*. Retrieved November 23, 2024.

1. ["Pirates Sign Tanner Rainey, Hunter Stratton To Minor League Contracts"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/pirates-sign-tanner-rainey-hunter-stratton-to-minor-league-contracts.html). *mlbtraderumors.com*. December 8, 2024. Retrieved December 8, 2024.

1. Gorman, Kevin (May 3, 2025). ["Pirates place SS Isiah Kiner-Falefa on IL, select veteran RHP Tanner Rainey to boost bullpen"](https://triblive.com/sports/pirates-place-ss-isiah-kiner-falefa-on-il-select-veteran-rhp-tanner-rainey-to-boost-bullpen/). *TribLIVE.com*. Retrieved May 3, 2025.

1. ["Pirates Claim Ronny Simón, Designate Tanner Rainey For Assignment"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/06/pirates-claim-ronny-simon-designate-tanner-rainey-for-assignment.html). *mlbtraderumors.com*. Retrieved June 2, 2025.

1. ["Transactions | Pittsburgh Pirates"](https://www.mlb.com/pirates/roster/transactions). *www.mlb.com*. Retrieved 2025-08-24.

1. ["Pirates Re-Sign Tanner Rainey To Minor League Deal"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/06/pirates-re-sign-tanner-rainey-to-minor-league-deal.html). *mlbtraderumors.com*. Retrieved June 11, 2025.

1. ["Pirates Release Tanner Rainey"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/07/pirates-release-tanner-rainey.html). *mlbtraderumors.com*. Retrieved July 9, 2025.

1. Polishuk, Mark (July 19, 2025). ["Tigers Sign Tanner Rainey To Minor League Contract"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/07/tigers-sign-tanner-rainey-to-minor-league-contract.html). *MLB Trade Rumors*. Retrieved 2025-11-11.

1. Deeds, Nick (September 21, 2025). ["Tigers Designate Charlie Morton For Assignment"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/09/tigers-designate-charlie-morton-for-assignment.html). *MLB Trade Rumors*. Retrieved 2025-10-31.

1. Franco, Anthony (November 18, 2025). ["Tigers Designate Six Relievers For Assignment"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/11/tigers-designate-six-relievers-for-assignment.html). *MLB Trade Rumors*. Retrieved 2026-01-10.

1. Franco, Anthony (November 21, 2025). ["American League Non-Tenders: 11/21/25"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/11/american-league-non-tenders-11-21-25.html). *MLB Trade Rumors*. Retrieved 2025-11-22.

1. Polishuk, Mark (2025-11-27). ["Tigers Re-Sign Tanner Rainey To Minor League Contract"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/11/tigers-re-sign-tanner-rainey-to-minor-league-contract.html). *MLB Trade Rumors*. Retrieved 2025-11-27.

1. ["Tanner Rainey Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News"](https://www.mlb.com/player/tanner-rainey-663432). *MLB.com*

1. ["Instagram"](https://www.instagram.com/p/CXMpWu5Of-Z/?img_index=1). *www.instagram.com*. Retrieved June 17, 2024.

1. ["Instagram"](https://www.instagram.com/p/CoCnRvnOJBm/?img_index=1). *www.instagram.com*. Retrieved June 17, 2024.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Tanner Rainey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanner_Rainey) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanner_Rainey?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.