Tigers pitcher facing last chance to prove himself in 2025 after latest roster move

The Detroit Tigers recalled Keider Montero from Triple-A Toledo ahead of Wednesday's series finale against the New York Mets, replacing right-handed reliever Chris Paddack.

With Paddack being placed on the bereavement list after the death of a family member, Montero will be available to the Tigers as a reliever for the next few days in what could be his final opportunity to earn a spot on Detroit's postseason roster and/or keep him in the mix for the 2026 season.

Montero's 2024 campaign brought flashes of brilliance, versatility and rookie promise. But in 2025, while continuing to show strikeout ability in short spurts – especially in Triple-A and in select MLB appearances – his performance became more inconsistent. A drop in whiff rate and overall control led the Tigers to view Montero as organizational depth rather than a permanent rotation fixture.

Montero made his MLB debut on May 19, 2024, as the Tigers' 27th man in a doubleheader. He was used flexibly throughout the season, optioned back and forth to Triple-A, but he became a dependable piece as injuries mounted in the Tigers' rotation.

In 19 games (16 starts) last season, Montero posted a 6-6 record with a 4.76 ERA and 77 strikeouts over 98 1/3 innings. Early in the season, he showcased his high-spin breaking pitches and strong arm, but experienced bouts of inconsistency and command issues. He settled in down the stretch, culminating in his September heroics that earned him American League Player of the Week honors.

On September 10, he threw a Maddux: a complete-game shutout with fewer than 100 pitches, and faced the minimum 27 batters, allowing just three hits (all via double plays). It was a historic feat, making Montero the first Tigers pitcher to face the minimum 27 batters in a complete game since Justin Verlander’s no-hitter in 2011.

Tigers pitcher Keider Montero facing last chance to prove himself before postseason

After missing a spot in the Tigers' season-opening rotation, Montero started 2025 at Triple-A Toledo. He was called up in mid-April to start a game against the Milwaukee Brewers and give the Tigers' rotation extra rest amid a heavy schedule, and he has since bounced back and forth between Detroit and Toledo.

In 15 MLB games this season, including nine starts, Montero has a 4.66 ERA across 73 1/3 innings. Still, he remains an enigma – capable of greatness, but prone to allowing hard contact. Until his stuff can regain its sharpness, he remains "organizational depth" – unless he can prove in what might be his final big league opportunity this season that he deserves a spot on the Tigers' postseason roster.

In theory, a job should be up for grabs with all of the uncertainty up and down the pitching staff.

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