Keider Montero: Everything you need to know

Montero (1-2) took the loss Tuesday, giving up three runs on five hits and a walk over 5.2 innings as the Tigers fell 12-4 to the Brewers. He struck out three. Montero was lifted after 88 pitches (55 strikes), coming up just short of his second quality start in four trips to the mound since joining the Detroit rotation. The 25-year-old right-hander has delivered a strong 3.68 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 18:3 K:BB through 22 innings, and with Justin Verlander (hip) not being rushed back into action, Montero should keep his current role into May. He's set to make his next start on the road this weekend in Cincinnati.

Montero did not factor into the decision Thursday against the Royals, allowing four runs on seven hits while striking out five over six innings. Montero looked solid early, building off his previous start where he tossed six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts, but ran into trouble late. Kansas City had managed just two runs through six innings before he ran out of gas, allowing back-to-back hits, including an RBI single to Jac Caglianone, that ended his outing. Despite Thursday's line, Montero's underlying metrics remain excellent, as he ranks near the top of the league in xERA (1.20) and xwOBA (.173). He's slated to face Milwaukee in his next start Tuesday.

Montero (1-1) picked up the win in Friday's 2-0 victory over the Marlins, allowing two hits and a walk over six scoreless innings. He struck out seven. Taking his second turn in the rotation in place of Justin Verlander (hip), Montero fired 55 of 80 pitches for strikes as he delivered his first quality start since July 7 of last season. The 25-year-old righty has looked very good since being called up, posting a 1.74 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and 10:2 K:BB in 10.1 innings, a performance that takes the pressure off Detroit to get Verlander back on the mound quickly. The 43-year-old future Hall of Famer has a bullpen session scheduled for Saturday, and how he emerges from that will likely determine whether Montero will get the ball next week during a home series against the Royals.