Keider Montero shows bulldog edge in Tigers role flip
Keider Montero has become a high-leverage weapon out of the Detroit Tigers bullpen, then earned a start against the Chicago Cubs. After 3⅓ scoreless innings and a win versus the Angels, manager AJ Hinch tapped the right-hander's bulldog mentality for a temporary six-man rotation during a 13-game stretch.
Key Takeaways
- Keider Montero stranded the tying and winning runs Friday in a 3⅓-inning scoreless win over the Angels, striking out five without a walk.
- Hinch left him in the ninth with Kyle Finnegan and Kenley Jansen available, citing Montero's rhythm and strikeouts.
- Montero will start Wednesday at Wrigley Field against the Cubs as Detroit briefly expands to a six-man rotation.
- He made 13 starts earlier this season after rotation injuries, then thrived in late-inning relief.
- He enters the Cubs finale at 6-5 with a 3.22 ERA.
Why did Keider Montero suddenly matter in the Tigers bullpen?
Montero did not crack the Opening Day roster, but Detroit kept him stretched as a starter. When early injuries hit the rotation, he stepped in from April 5 through June 11 with 13 starts and five quality starts, covering for the club while arms recovered.
Once Troy Melton, Tarik Skubal and Jack Flaherty returned, Montero shifted to the bullpen—not as filler, but as a late-inning option. That trust showed Friday against the Angels, when he relieved Melton with two outs in the sixth and the Tigers down 1-0.
He tossed 3⅓ scoreless innings, struck out five, walked none, and closed it out after Detroit scratched two runs in the ninth. Defensive help from Kevin McGonigle and Spencer Torkelson helped him strand runners at third and second. For more viral sports and celebrity headlines, see our Celebrity Breaking News hub.
How did AJ Hinch explain trusting him over the back end?
Hinch had a rested pen, including Finnegan and Jansen, yet never warmed anyone—even after the Angels put the first two on in the ninth. "Given the way he was pitching, he had his rhythm, he was punching out everybody, I felt he earned it," Hinch said, per The Detroit News.
Montero's mantra matched the moment: no way they score, and he would not blow the lead. He also earned his first big-league save in Game 1 of last fall's ALDS, another sign he thrives when the stakes climb.
Why is Keider Montero heading back into the starting rotation?
Hinch announced Montero will start Wednesday's series finale at Wrigley against the Cubs, creating a temporary six-man rotation. Detroit faces 13 games without an off day, and the move gives the rest of the staff extra rest through July 30.
Montero threw 43 pitches Monday. Hinch said he will not stretch to 90–100 pitches Wednesday but expects at least five innings. The manager compared the plan to Melton's bullpen usage last year: pitch him often in high-stakes spots while keeping his volume intact.
"Regardless of the situation, whether I'm starting or relieving, my mindset is always the same," Montero said through interpreter Carlos Guillen. Enjoy the game, give 100%, and help the team win. That hybrid starter-reliever package is exactly why Detroit keeps flipping Keider Montero into the biggest spots.