--- title: "Tigers reshuffle rotation, send Montero to bullpen, activate Verlander and Mize" description: "Detroit shifts Keider Montero to relief, recalls Justin Verlander and Casey Mize from IL to fortify staff and manage workloads." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/tigers-to-use-keider-montero-in-relief-activate-verlander-o-52cfd357 published: 2026-07-01T23:42:27.152+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T23:42:27.152+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["baseball"] --- # Tigers reshuffle rotation, send Montero to bullpen, activate Verlander and Mize > Detroit shifts Keider Montero to relief, recalls Justin Verlander and Casey Mize from IL to fortify staff and manage workloads. The Detroit Tigers are executing a calculated roster reshuffle, converting left-hander Keider Montero from a starter to a reliever and activating aces Justin Verlander and Casey Mize from the injured list. Montero, 24, will transition to the bullpen for the first time in his professional career after posting a 5.03 ERA and 1.45 WHIP across 14 starts this season. The Tigers’ front office confirmed the move late Saturday, framing it as a strategic effort to bolster a bullpen that ranks 18th in MLB with a 4.21 bullpen ERA. By shifting Montero to relief, Detroit gains a fresh arm capable of logging high-leverage innings while preserving his long-term durability. Verlander, 41, is set to return Sunday against the White Sox after missing 49 games with a right oblique strain. The future Hall of Famer has logged just 61 innings in 2024, but his presence alone stabilizes a rotation that has leaned heavily on young arms. Mize, 27, returns from a right shoulder impingement that sidelined him for 38 games. He will slot into the rotation behind Tarik Skubal and Matt Manning, giving Detroit a proven frontline starter when fully stretched out. Manager A.J. Hinch called the move “a chess piece” in balancing workloads and maintaining roster flexibility. “We’re not just moving pieces for the sake of it,” Hinch said. “We’re trying to get guys back healthy, keep our bullpen fresh, and give our rotation depth.” The Tigers sit 46-44, five games out of a wild-card spot, with 42 games left in a tight AL Central race. This strategic reshuffle comes at a critical juncture for the Tigers, who are navigating a competitive AL Central landscape. With the team hovering around .500, every decision carries weight. The activation of Verlander and Mize not only injects experience but also provides an opportunity for younger players to learn from established veterans. Their return could be the catalyst the Tigers need to make a serious push for a playoff spot. Moreover, Montero's transition to the bullpen highlights a broader trend in baseball: the increasing fluidity of player roles. As teams prioritize versatility, Montero's ability to adapt could serve as a model for other young pitchers facing similar struggles. If he can thrive in relief, it opens the door for future roster flexibility and strategic depth for the Tigers, potentially reshaping how they approach pitching in high-pressure situations. In addition to the immediate impact on the roster, this move reflects the Tigers’ long-term vision. By converting Montero, the organization demonstrates a commitment to developing pitchers who can excel in various roles. This adaptability is crucial in today’s game, where teams often rely on a mix of starters and relievers to navigate through games. Montero’s success in relief could inspire similar adjustments for other young pitchers in the system, fostering a culture of versatility throughout the franchise. Furthermore, the return of Verlander and Mize not only strengthens the pitching staff but also sends a message to the clubhouse. Their leadership and experience can galvanize a team that is still learning how to win in tight situations. The psychological boost of having seasoned veterans back on the mound cannot be understated, especially as the Tigers aim for a playoff berth. This reshuffle is not just about numbers; it’s about creating a winning environment. What's next: Detroit hosts Chicago on Sunday with Verlander on the mound, then travels to Kansas City for a pivotal four-game set. If Montero adapts quickly to relief, the Tigers could ride a stronger bullpen into the stretch while keeping Verlander and Mize on track for October. ## Why this matters The Tigers are prioritizing roster adaptability and pitcher preservation over rigid roles. By reassigning Montero to relief and reactivating two aces, Detroit signals a win-now mentality tempered by smart workload management. This approach could keep their rotation fresh down the stretch and their bullpen sharp in close games, directly impacting their playoff push in a crowded AL Central. ## Frequently asked ### Why is the Tigers organization moving Keider Montero from the rotation to the bullpen? The Tigers are converting Montero to relief to add depth to a bullpen that has underperformed this season, while also managing his workload as a young starter. The move provides a fresh arm capable of handling high-leverage innings without overextending him in the rotation. ### When are Justin Verlander and Casey Mize expected to return to the Tigers' active roster? Verlander is scheduled to pitch Sunday against the White Sox, while Mize is expected to join the rotation shortly after, following a rehab assignment. Both were sidelined with oblique and shoulder issues, respectively. ### How has the Tigers' bullpen performed this season? Detroit’s bullpen ranks 18th in MLB with a 4.21 ERA, underscoring the need for reinforcements. The unit has struggled with consistency, particularly in high-leverage situations, making Montero’s transition to relief a strategic necessity. ### What impact could this roster reshuffle have on the Tigers' playoff chances? By activating Verlander and Mize while adding Montero to the bullpen, Detroit gains both starting depth and late-inning reliability. This flexibility could be decisive in tight races, especially in the AL Central where every game matters. ### Has Montero pitched in relief before in his career? No. Montero has exclusively started games in his professional career, including 14 starts for Detroit this season. His transition to relief is a first and reflects the Tigers’ experimental approach to roster construction. ## Sources & Citations - [Tigers To Use Keider Montero In Relief, Activate Verlander On Sunday - MLB Trade Rumors](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/06/tigers-to-use-keider-montero-in-relief-activate-verlander-on-sunday.html) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-17) --- Cite: Tigers reshuffle rotation, send Montero to bullpen, activate Verlander and Mize. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/tigers-to-use-keider-montero-in-relief-activate-verlander-o-52cfd357