Hinch Explains Early Hook Of Montero After Tigers’ Late Collapse Vs White Sox

The Detroit Tigers’ struggles deepened on Sunday as they were swept by the Chicago White Sox following a narrow 2-1 defeat in the series finale at Guaranteed Rate Field. What had been a strong pitching performance from rookie Keider Montero ultimately became the center of postgame scrutiny after a late bullpen collapse flipped the outcome.

Montero delivered one of his most composed outings of the season, holding Chicago scoreless through six innings while allowing just two hits. Despite his effectiveness and a low pitch count, manager AJ Hinch opted to remove him in the seventh inning with Detroit clinging to a 1-0 lead.

The decision immediately changed the trajectory of the game. Reliever Drew Anderson entered and was unable to contain Chicago’s lineup, allowing two earned runs in a decisive seventh inning that ultimately sealed the Tigers’ fourth consecutive loss.

After the game, Hinch addressed the move candidly, explaining the strategic reasoning behind his decision while acknowledging the difficult result that followed. The loss added further pressure to a Tigers team already struggling to find consistency on both sides of the ball.

1. Decision To Turn To The Bullpen

Hinch’s choice to remove Montero after six innings was influenced by the upcoming portion of Chicago’s lineup, which had given Detroit trouble throughout the series. The manager emphasized that the decision was based on matchup strategy rather than performance concerns. Montero had been highly efficient to that point, throwing just 65 pitches while keeping the White Sox off balance. However, Hinch pointed to the top of the order as a key factor, noting that Detroit had struggled against those hitters all weekend. The Tigers turned to Drew Anderson with the hope that his effectiveness against left-handed hitters would neutralize Chicago’s scoring threats. The move was designed to maximize matchup advantages in a tightly contested game. At the time, Detroit still held a slim 1-0 lead, making the decision a calculated risk in a low-scoring environment where one mistake could shift momentum.

2. The Inning That Changed The Game

The strategy unraveled quickly once Anderson took the mound in the seventh inning. Chicago’s offense strung together four consecutive hits, immediately putting pressure on the Tigers’ bullpen and erasing Detroit’s narrow advantage. The White Sox capitalized on the momentum swing, pushing across two runs that proved decisive in a game defined by limited offensive production. Detroit’s inability to respond at the plate only amplified the impact of the inning. Hinch later acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, noting that the game state played a significant role in his decision-making. With a 1-0 lead and limited run support, every matchup carried heightened importance. The collapse ultimately overshadowed Montero’s strong start and shifted attention toward bullpen reliability, an area that has been inconsistent for Detroit throughout the season.

3. Montero’s Strong Outing And Growing Role

Despite the disappointing result, Montero delivered one of his most encouraging performances of the year. The 25-year-old allowed just two hits and struck out four batters while maintaining control and rhythm throughout his outing. The start represented a clear bounce-back for Montero, who had struggled in recent appearances, allowing 11 earned runs across his previous three starts. Sunday’s performance suggested potential signs of stabilization. His efficiency on the mound also stood out, as he required only 65 pitches to complete six innings. That level of command is typically associated with longer outings, further fueling discussion about whether he could have continued deeper into the game. For Detroit, Montero’s development remains an important storyline as the team searches for reliable starting pitching. While the result overshadowed his outing, his performance offered a reminder of his upside and the value he could bring moving forward.