The Detroit Tigers have opted to send right-handed pitcher Keider Montero to Triple-A Toledo as of this week, a move prompted by their crowded starting rotation and Montero‘s upcoming absence due to international play. This decision reflects the team’s strategy to manage its roster during spring training while preparing for the regular season.
Roster Adjustments Amid a Packed Starting Staff
After enhancing their rotation by signing Framber Valdez to a three-year, $115 million contract and bringing back Justin Verlander on a one-year deal, the Detroit Tigers face tough choices. With talented pitchers including Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, and others competing for limited spots, the club has created a bottleneck in its pitching lineup. Consequently, some players have had to be optioned to the minors to streamline the major league roster, which now stands at 60 players following Montero’s reassignment.
Manager A.J. Hinch on Montero’s Reassignment
Keider Montero’s option to Triple-A followed his third spring appearance in Detroit’s recent win over Panama, where he pitched three scoreless innings while allowing only two hits and striking out three batters. Despite this strong performance, Montero had struggled in previous outings, giving up five runs on eight hits over five innings combined.
Addressing the unexpected move, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch explained that Montero was unlikely to make the bullpen roster initially, and with the rotation set from the start of camp, the decision was made to send him down, especially since Montero would be unavailable for major league action due to his participation with Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.
“So we determined that he wasn’t going to initially make our team out of the bullpen, and given that our rotation has been set since Day 1, we decided to option him, given that we’re not going to see him in person for what could be a few weeks,”
he said per Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic.
Montero has served as a valuable depth option for Detroit over the past seasons, making 20 appearances with 12 starts in 2025 while posting a 4.37 ERA. His experience provides the Tigers with pitching flexibility as the season unfolds.
Looking Ahead: Montero’s Path Back to the Major Leagues
The Tigers remain hopeful that Montero will return to the big league roster when opportunities arise. Hinch believes that Montero’s future contributions are best realized in a starting role, especially considering the inevitable injuries over a long season. With Reese Olson sidelined for the entire 2026 season due to injury, the team anticipates additional needs for spot starts.
Meanwhile, other pitchers like Drew Anderson are expected to take advantage of the opening by pitching in hybrid roles and covering spot starts. Montero’s reassignment also follows earlier decisions to option pitchers Ty Madden and Dylan Smith this spring, further highlighting the depth and competition within Detroit’s pitching staff.
Although the decision places Montero temporarily outside the major league squad, the Triple-A assignment will provide him with consistent opportunities to showcase his talent and readiness to return. With strong performances in Toledo, Montero may soon find his way back onto the Tigers’ active roster as the regular season progresses.
RHP Keider Montero has been optioned to Triple-A Toledo. Detroit’s major league camp roster now stands at 60 players.
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) March 4, 2026
Here is what A.J. Hinch said today in Santo Domingo about the Tigers' decision to option Keider Montero pic.twitter.com/nPgmenj8Di
— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) March 4, 2026
