Right-handed reliever Phil Bickford, a non-roster invitee to the Detroit Tigers’ spring training, has temporarily stopped throwing while recovering from a right biceps strain. The injury update came as part of the Tigers’ latest medical report shared on Tuesday in Lakeland, Florida, highlighting Bickford as the only new player added to the list.
Other Players’ Injury Statuses and Recovery Progress
Shortstop Trey Sweeney continues to be sidelined from baseball activities as he manages a right shoulder strain. Meanwhile, catcher Dillon Dingler, who had right elbow arthroscopy before spring training, remains restricted in throwing but is otherwise fully participating in team workouts. Additionally, two right-handed pitchers, Sawyer Gipson-Long and Tyler Owens, have progressed to throwing bullpen sessions, suggesting their return to full activity may be imminent.
Background on Phil Bickford’s Career and Recent Performance
At age 30, Bickford has pitched in Major League Baseball with four different teams, most recently appearing with the New York Yankees in 2024. In 2025, he competed at the Triple-A level for the Phillies and Cubs affiliates, recording a 3.52 ERA across 46 innings, with 53 walks and 17 strikeouts. His professional journey began as a top draft pick by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2013, although he chose college baseball instead of signing that year. He was later drafted 18th overall by the San Francisco Giants in 2015, traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in 2016, and made his MLB debut during the shortened 2020 season.
Bickford’s strongest season came in 2021 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he posted a 2.50 ERA over 50 innings and struck out 59 batters, also delivering six scoreless innings in the playoffs. He joined the Tigers through a minor-league contract signed in January.
Implications for the Tigers and What to Watch Next
This injury update adds a layer of uncertainty for the Tigers’ bullpen depth as the team prepares for the upcoming season. While Bickford’s strain may delay his availability, the return of Gipson-Long and Owens could help mitigate some bullpen concerns. The ongoing recoveries of key players like Sweeney and Dingler remain crucial to the Tigers’ spring training progress and roster decisions.
Fans and analysts will be monitoring medical updates closely as the Tigers continue their preparations in Lakeland, representing a pivotal stretch for player health and performance heading into the regular season.
Tigers' medical report pic.twitter.com/fv67aFXqVo
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) February 24, 2026
