Tigers To Use Keider Montero In Relief, Activate Verlander On Sunday

Why Montero’s demotion matters: the numbers behind Detroit’s bullpen experiment

The move marks a tactical pivot for manager A.J. Hinch, who cited Montero’s ability to adapt to relief work—a role he filled three times in last year’s playoffs—as the rationale. Montero’s 16.7% strikeout rate ranks among the lowest in baseball, but his 3.61 ERA and a .225 batting average against on balls in play suggest a strategy of inducing weak contact rather than swinging for strikeouts. Among qualified pitchers, only Chase Burns and Parker Messick have induced more infield pop-ups, according to MLB Trader Rumors. His consistency is undeniable: Montero hasn’t allowed more than four runs in any of his 13 starts this season, including a 6 2/3 scoreless outing against Minnesota last Thursday.

The decision also reflects Detroit’s roster constraints. With Jack Flaherty on the injured list until late June and Troy Melton scratched from his scheduled start Monday due to back tightness, Hinch needed to free up a rotation spot for Verlander’s return. The Tigers’ 40-man roster is at capacity, forcing them to designate someone for assignment—likely reliever Burch Smith—to activate Verlander on Sunday.

Verlander’s return: the rehab timeline and what’s at stake

Verlander, the majors’ active leader in wins (266) and strikeouts (3,554), has spent the past two and a half months rehabbing a left hip injury that sidelined him since April 4. His return hinges on two rehab starts with Triple-A Toledo—one a 5 2/3-inning outing allowing four home runs, the other a five-inning scoreless performance—and a four-inning simulated game at Comerica Park on Monday. Manager A.J. Hinch framed the return as the next logical step: “We had a couple rehab games; we had the session [on Monday]. It’s time to challenge him even more with a game,” he told reporters, adding that Verlander’s ability to “hold his stuff and hold his delivery” has been the key to his progress.

“He’s responded better and better after these outings. I think the big key is holding his stuff and holding his delivery.”

—A.J.

Verlander’s first Major League start this season, on March 30, ended poorly: 3 2/3 innings, five runs allowed, and six hits in a 9-6 loss to Arizona. But his rehab work suggests he’s regained his signature command. Hinch emphasized the psychological shift of returning to the rotation: “That adrenaline that he talks about and the energy that comes with that start will be good for him. And I think it’ll be good for us.” The stakes are clear: Verlander’s performance against the White Sox will determine whether Detroit’s rotation can sustain its late-season push.

The bullpen shuffle: who moves, who stays, and what’s next

Detroit’s roster adjustments extend beyond Verlander’s return. Casey Mize, who has pitched well since returning from a season-opening elbow issue, will start Friday’s series opener against the White Sox. Tarik Skubal, who was playing chess with Verlander in the clubhouse before Tuesday’s announcement, will pitch Saturday if Melton remains sidelined. The bullpen’s depth is already being tested: Drew Anderson led a short-notice relief outing in a 9-3 victory Wednesday, and Framber Valdez will start Thursday’s series finale against the Astros.

The biggest question remains: Is Montero’s demotion permanent, or a temporary fix? Hinch didn’t commit to keeping him in relief beyond this week, but the Tigers’ upcoming series in Houston and Chicago will test whether Montero’s groundball dominance translates to high-leverage situations. If successful, Detroit could have a late-season weapon in its bullpen—one that doesn’t rely on strikeouts but on the same contact skills that have kept hitters guessing all year.

What’s on the line: Verlander’s legacy and Detroit’s playoff hopes

Verlander’s return isn’t just about stats—it’s about momentum. The Tigers sit in the AL Central’s second wild-card spot, and a strong finish could push them into the playoffs. Verlander’s presence alone could shift the narrative from injury concerns to a veteran leader anchoring the rotation. But the real test will be his durability: His last full season was 2024, and at 43, the physical demands of a deep playoff run remain unknown.

For Montero, the move could redefine his role. His 2025 season—12 starts out of 20 appearances—showed he’s more than a one-dimensional starter. If he excels in relief, Detroit might have a two-way asset capable of stabilizing games in both roles. The experiment carries risk, but the alternative—keeping Montero in the rotation while Verlander sits—wasn’t sustainable.

One thing is certain: Detroit’s bullpen is about to get a high-profile test. With Verlander back and Montero in a new role, Sunday’s game against the White Sox isn’t just about one pitcher’s return—it’s about how far a team will go to stay competitive in a crowded division.

The bigger picture: how this fits into Detroit’s 2026 season

This isn’t the first time Detroit has shuffled its rotation for depth. In 2025, the team cycled through starters to keep its best arms fresh, a strategy that paid off in the postseason. But this year’s injuries—Flaherty, Melton, and now Verlander’s prolonged absence—have forced a different approach. The Tigers’ ability to adapt, whether through Montero’s relief work or Verlander’s return, will determine whether they can overcome their early-season struggles.

What’s next? Watch for two key developments: 1. Verlander’s durability: Can he pitch deep into games, or will his hip flare up again? 2. Montero’s relief success: If he thrives in high-leverage spots, Detroit might keep him there—even if it means losing a rotation spot permanently.

One thing is clear: Detroit isn’t waiting for the perfect solution. They’re making moves now, and the results—starting Sunday—will decide whether this gamble pays off.

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