The Detroit Tigers have optioned right-hander Keider Montero to Triple-A Toledo, potentially paving the way for starting pitcher Reese Olson to rejoin the rotation.
Montero has performed admirably this season, providing valuable innings for a team in need of starting pitching depth. In four outings this month, he’s posted a 1-0 record with a 3.10 ERA over 20 1/3 innings, going at least five innings in three of those appearances.
Reese Olson’s Return To The Mound
Reese Olson has impressed in his first two rehab outings with Triple-A Toledo and is expected to make one more start before rejoining the Tigers, according to manager A.J. Hinch.
RHP Dylan Smith has been recalled from Triple-A Toledo. RHP Keider Montero has been optioned to Triple-A.
Additionally, RHP John Brebbia has cleared waivers and been unconditionally released.
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) June 20, 2025
Olson has recorded a 2.84 ERA over 6 1/3 innings in his rehab appearances, striking out nine batters. While he has yet to pitch beyond four innings in a single outing, he could hit that milestone in his upcoming third and final rehab start.
What This Means for Detroit
Before suffering a right finger injury, Reese Olson had been a steady presence in the Tigers’ rotation, posting a 4-3 record with a 2.96 ERA and a 1.171 WHIP over nine starts. The 25-year-old right-hander was showing significant growth before landing on the injured list—progress the Tigers are eager to see resume in the second half of the season.
This year has brought a mix of career-highs for Olson. His 25.4% strikeout rate is the best of his major league tenure, though it’s been offset by a 9.4% walk rate—also a personal high. While nine starts represent a small sample size, trimming that walk rate by a couple of percentage points will be crucial if he hopes to maintain his breakout performance.
Worth noting: Reese Olson needs another start on his rehab assignment, manager A.J. Hinch said. #Tigers https://t.co/C1uKi9mNwj
— Evan Petzold (@EvanPetzold) June 20, 2025
The Tigers are in urgent need of rotation stability following Jackson Jobe’s season-ending injury. Casey Mize has shown flashes of his old form since rejoining the rotation but is still working his way back to full consistency. Meanwhile, veteran Jack Flaherty has struggled mightily. After signing a two-year deal in the offseason, Flaherty has allowed 15 earned runs over just 6 2/3 innings in his last two outings. His ERA has ballooned to 4.83, and his 3.0 strikeout-to-walk ratio is on pace to be his lowest since 2023.
With Olson nearing his return, the Tigers are hopeful he can provide a much-needed boost to a rotation that’s been riddled with inconsistency and injury.
Tigers Still Having Success
Despite a slew of injuries, the Detroit Tigers boast the best record in baseball at 48-29—an impressive feat considering they’ve already weathered the tougher half of their schedule. With a more favorable slate awaiting after the All-Star break, the Tigers are well-positioned for a deep postseason run.
However, starting pitching remains a major question mark. Beyond ace Tarik Skubal, it’s unclear who would take the mound in Game 2 of a potential ALDS series. Reese Olson, Casey Mize, and Jack Flaherty have all shown flashes, but inconsistency has plagued the trio. That uncertainty should push the front office to act decisively at the trade deadline.
While Detroit has the talent to contend for the American League pennant without making a move, relying solely on internal options is a risky strategy. The Tigers possess one of the strongest farm systems in the league, and outside of untouchable top prospect Max Clark, they should be willing to shop anyone to upgrade the rotation.
As the old saying goes—prospects for parades. The time to strike is now.
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