With a postseason appearance virtually wrapped up, the Detroit Tigers may welcome some new faces during the month of September. With the expansion of rosters from 26 to 28 players, it could create an opportunity for some young prospects to get a taste of the major leagues or another player to show they belong as the season comes to a close.
The Tigers opened another opportunity when starter Chris Paddack went on the bereavement list due to a death in the family. With Paddack gone for the next three days, the Tigers are giving Keider Montero another opportunity to join the major league team and potentially clear the runway for a strong finish to a lost season.
Chris Paddack’s Absence Gives Keider Montero Another Shot in the Majors
Montero began the year in the Tigers’ rotation after going 6-6 with a 4.76 ERA in 19 games (16 starts) during his rookie season in 2024. But he failed to impress, going 4-3 with a 4.66 ERA in 15 games (nine starts) this season. The 24-year-old has bounced between Detroit and Triple-A Toledo over the past month and things weren’t going well in the minors with a 4-4 record and 5.91 ERA over 10 games (eight starts) this season.
It’s likely that Montero will serve in a bullpen role, similar to the one Paddack was serving when he allowed six earned runs in 1.1 innings in Tuesday’s 12-5 loss to the New York Mets. While it’s probably too late for Montero to pitch well enough to earn a surprising spot on the Tigers’ postseason roster, Detroit could benefit from a strong performance.
The Tigers have lost seven of their past 10 games after a five-game winning streak last month. They also demoted Paddack to the bullpen as he’s gone 2-2 with a 6.89 ERA in seven games (six starts) since he was acquired in a trade with the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline. Charlie Morton has also struggled since his arrival in a deal with the Baltimore Orioles, going 2-2 with a 5.81 ERA and the Tigers have had to try and make due as they head down the stretch.
Detroit’s nine-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central should quiet any whispers about a late-season collapse. But momentum could be key as they head into September. With new faces likely ready to fill key roles, Montero will have to pitch well when his name is called and help the Tigers go into the postseason feeling good about themselves.