Tigers Option Reliever Brenan Hanifee to Make Roster Space for Keider Montero’s Start

Following Tuesday night’s loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, the Detroit Tigers made a roster move to create space for pitcher Keider Montero, who is set to start Wednesday’s game. Prior to the game, manager A.J. Hinch had already indicated that Montero would take the mound instead of the previously scheduled starter, Reese Olson.

To accommodate Montero’s promotion, reliever Brenan Hanifee was optioned, likely to Triple-A Toledo, according to a report from *The Athletic* shortly after the game.

The decision was largely driven by Hanifee’s workload during Tuesday’s game. The right-hander threw 38 pitches over 1.1 innings, allowing three hits, two unearned runs, and a walk. Given the pitch count, he would have been unavailable for at least the next game or two, making him a logical candidate for the roster move.

Hanifee has been effective in his limited action this season, posting a 2.25 ERA across three appearances. Over eight innings, he’s allowed seven hits and four runs (two earned), striking out four and walking two. Opponents have managed just a .219 average against him.

Under MLB rules, Hanifee cannot return to the majors for 15 days unless an injury opens a roster spot on the pitching staff.

Hinch emphasized that Montero’s start was not just about filling a spot, but part of a broader effort to manage workload during a grueling stretch. With 13 games in 13 days — and 23 in 24 — Detroit is looking to give its rotation a bit of breathing room. Inserting Montero midweek helps ensure every starter gets an extra day of rest, especially with only one scheduled day off remaining in April (April 24) and another not coming until May 5.

Reese Olson is now set to pitch Thursday against the Kansas City Royals.

Montero, 24, made his MLB debut last year, stepping into the rotation amid a wave of injuries. In 19 appearances (16 starts), he compiled a 6-6 record with a 4.76 ERA, striking out 77 batters while issuing 31 walks over 98.1 innings. Opponents batted .265 against him, and he carried a 1.33 WHIP.

He competed for a rotation spot during spring training and impressed, but ultimately began the season in Toledo. In two Triple-A starts, Montero went 1-1 with a 2.79 ERA, striking out 11 and walking just one in 9.2 innings. Opponents hit only .176 off him.