# Why Keider Montero has emerged as X-factor for Tigers’ playoff push
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Hinch has told us what he thinks of Montero by his actions. Last season, in the biggest moments, on the brightest stage, Hinch used Montero five times in the postseason.
Clearly, he trusts Montero.
And this season?
Montero has started 15 games and has a 5-5 record with a 0.971 WHIP, which trails only Jacob Waguespack (0.724), Troy Melton (0.795) and Tarik Skubal (0.914).
When the Tigers’ starting pitchers got healthy, they could have moved Montero to Triple-A to keep him stretched out. But they decided to move him to the bullpen, where he remains a weapon.
Hinch used him against the New York Yankees on July 1, and Montero was brilliant. Montero pitched in the 10th and 11th innings, in a high-pressure, high-intensity moment, striking out three and not allowing any hits or runs in a 6-2 win at Yankee Stadium. Montero earned the win.
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The Tigers want to keep Montero stretched out, capable of pitching multiple innings.
So Hinch went into the three-game series against Texas knowing he would use him in a multiple-inning stint. But how would he respond to just a few days rest? What would his stuff be like?
The answer was encouraging: Montero didn’t allow any hits or runs, even though he didn’t get a strikeout.
He was so good, Hinch couldn’t take him out.
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“It’s just rare nowadays to have someone come in and get the final nine outs,” Hinch said. “From what he can do, we asked this guy to go five and six innings [as a starter], there’s no reason he can’t get three innings at the end of a game. The way he’s throwing the ball, it’s nearly impossible to take the ball out of his hand.”
Then again, Montero figures he can’t be taken out if Hinch can’t find him. He refuses to walk past Hinch after an inning because he fears getting the dreaded handshake, meaning his day is done
“He does that even when he starts,” Hinch said, smiling. “I have to track him down to take him out.
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Having Montero in the bullpen creates a beneficial trickle effect.
Think of it this way: By giving the ball to Montero on Saturday, the Tigers did not have to use Kenley Jansen.
Hinch was able to give Jansen another day rest, and he was effective on Sunday. He threw a quick, clean three-out inning to earn the save.
Remember, Jansen is 38 years old. And every time he gets an extra day of rest, it’s important.
Not just in the short term, but in the long term.
You could say that Montero should be starting, and I would have a hard time arguing your point. Certainly, that’s one option.
But think of it this way: Montero played a key role in two of the five wins on this six-game trip.
It’s not pitching chaos.
It’s Keider Chaos. The X-factor doing his part, finding ways to help this team win
Series: Three games at Comerica Park, Detroit
