With the Tigers bolstering their rotation in the offseason, Montero could work as both a starter and a reliever in 2025, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.
Detroit added Alex Cobb and Jack Flaherty during the offseason, and the team already has ace Tarik Skubal and Reese Olson locked into starting roles. That leaves the likes of Montero, top prospect Jackson Jobe, Casey Mize, Matt Manning, Kenta Maeda and Brant Hurter all vying for the No. 5 spot. Manager A.J. Hinch could mix and match in that role, which leaves Montero's outlook a bit in flux. The righty primarily served as a starter during his 2024 rookie campaign, making 16 starts among his 19 appearances overall. He posted a 4.76 ERA across 98.1 total innings. Montero's 2025 fantasy value would take a hit if he pitches in long relief, though more clarity should emerge during spring training.
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Tigers' Keider Montero: Starting ALDS Game 3
Rotowire
Montero will start Wednesday in Game 3 of the ALDS versus the Guardians.
Montero tossed two shutout innings in relief in Game 1 and will now be handed a start on three days' rest. The right-hander was used primarily as a starter by the Tigers this season, but while he's capable of providing length, manager A.J. Hinch no doubt will have a short leash with Montero. Lefty Brant Hurter is a prime candidate to enter after Montero and provide multiple innings.
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Tigers' Keider Montero: Back on roster for ALDS
Rotowire
Montero is part of the Tigers' roster for the American League Division Series versus Cleveland.
Montero wasn't included on Detroit's roster for the AL Wild Card Series against the Astros, but he's active for the ALDS and could potentially start in Game 3 or serve in bulk relief. The right-hander was inconsistent during the regular season and finished with a 4.76 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 77:31 K:BB over 98.1 innings across 19 contests, 16 of which were starts. Casey Mize, who was on Detroit's wild-card roster, is inactive for the ALDS in order to make room for Montero.
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Tigers' Keider Montero: Left off wild-card roster
Rotowire
Montero is not on the Tigers' roster for the American League Wild Card Series against the Astros, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.
The Tigers' starting pitching plans beyond Tarik Skubal in Game 1 are cloudy, but Montero didn't make the cut despite a 3.79 ERA over 10 starts and two relief appearances from August on. He could potentially be added to the ALDS roster, if the Tigers advance.
Montero allowed one run on four hits and two walks across 2.2 innings and did not factor into the decision Wednesday against the Rays. He struck out two.
Montero started the game and managed to limit the damage, but he allowed too many baserunners and got lifted after only tossing 55 pitches. The Tigers then turned to Sean Guenther, who was much more effective, as he posted two perfect innings with three strikeouts to earn the win. Montero has had some nice moments during his rookie season, though the Tigers didn't take any chances extending the youngster Wednesday as they claw toward a playoff spot. The righty is not slated to start again during the regular season but could be used in relief over the weekend if a need arises. If this is it for Montero in 2024, he'll finish the year with a 4.81 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 75 strikeouts across 95.1 innings.
Tigers' Keider Montero: Struggles as bulk pitcher Friday
Rotowire
Montero allowed five runs on seven hits and a walk across 4.2 innings of work in Friday's 7-1 loss to the Orioles. He struck out seven.
Montero followed opener Tyler Holton, who allowed two runs of his own, so the former wasn't charged with the loss. However, Montero still struggled as he gave up four home runs and saw his ERA climb from 4.60 to 4.86. The silver lining was the seven strikeouts, which were one away from matching a season high. Montero was previously penciled in to start Sunday's contest against Baltimore, but the team will likely go in a different direction after the righty tossed 82 pitches on Friday. Montero would then likely start or serve as a bulk pitcher sometime next week.
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Tigers' Keider Montero: Coughs up five runs
Rotowire
Montero allowed five runs on seven hits and a walk over 4.2 innings during a no-decision Friday. He struck out seven during the loss to Baltimore.
The only reason Montero didn't take the loss is because Tyler Holton opened the game and coughed up two runs in the first inning. Montero gave up a combined four home runs against Colton Cowser and James McCann during his outing. Montero had delivered 14 scoreless frames over his previous two outings before Friday's hiccup. The right-handed rookie owns a 4.86 ERA with a 73:28 K:BB through 92.2 innings. Montero is lined up to end his 2024 season with a home start against the White Sox.
Tigers' Keider Montero: Second consecutive scoreless start
Rotowire
Montero (6-6) earned the win Sunday, allowing five hits and one walk over five scoreless innings against the Orioles. He struck out one.
Montero did not allow a run for the second game in a row, with the biggest threat coming when he worked around a one-out second and third situation in the third inning. The 24-year-old rookie was pulled following just 63 pitches through five innings after coming off a complete-game shutout of the Rockies in his last start. Montero's ERA has dropped nearly a full run thanks to his most recent performances, moving from 5.47 to 4.60 with a 1.27 WHIP and 66 strikeouts through 88 innings. He's next slated to get another shot at the Orioles, this time in Baltimore.
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